Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Oxygen storage capacity'

Catalisadores baseados em óxidos de cério (CeOx, 3/2≤ x ≤ 2) como suporte são utilizados em várias reações de alto interesse econômico, por exemplo as reações de catalizadores de três-vias. Sabe-se que é possível melhorar as propriedade catalíticas da céria, através da mistura com óxido de zircônio e com a adição de partículas metálicas na superfície do material. Entretanto, a deposição de átomos de Zr sobre CeO2(111) é pouco explorada apesar de já ter sido utilizada para a síntese de nanopartículas de Ag de tamanho controlado. Uma das particularidades dos sistemas Zr/CeO2(111) é formar ilhas altura entre 1,5 e 3,0 Å sobre a superfície da céria que são sugeridas na literatura com camadas de Zr-O e O-Zr-O. Entretanto, a natureza e magnitudes das interações entre Zr e CeO2(111) ainda não são totalmente conhecidas, bem como as modificações causadas pelo Zr na superfície de CeO2 e os mecanismos que controlam a oxidação do Zr e a formação de ZrO2 na superfície. Visando entender as interações Zr/CeO2(111) e a formação de ZrO2 sobre CeO2(111), realizou-se um estudo teórico da adsorção de n (1 ≤n ≤ 4) adatomos de Zr sobre CeO2(111), e da formação de ZrO2 sobre CeO2(111). As análises de carga indicam transferências de carga do adatomos de Zr para a superfície e mudança no estado de oxidação das espécies. Os Zr se oxidam á Zr4+ e interagem com O2- da superfície, onde quatro cátions Ce4+ se reduzem á Ce3+. Analises energéticas indicam que o processo é muito estabilizante, mais de 10 eV por Zr. Com o aumento da quantidade n de adatomos de Zr na superfície, observa-se 4 × n reduções de Ce4+ e migrações de O2- de dentro da superfície para próximo dos Zr4+, formando agregados de ZrO2 sobre a superfície. A migração de O se deve a dois fatores, a interação dos O2- com Zr4+ no agregado é mais estável do que a interação dos O2- com Ce3+ dentro da superfície, e a migração de O diminuir a tensão causada pelo maior raio do Ce3+ em relação ao Ce4+. Em adição, foi encontrado uma tendência de estabilidade para os Zr4+ migrarem para sítios Ce dentro da superfície, devido a maior quantidade de coordenações Zr-O e a redução da tensão criada pelos Ce3+.
Cerium oxides (CeOx, 3/2≤ x ≤ 2) based catalysts are employed in several reactions with high economic interest, such as the reaction in three-way-catalysts. It is well know that is possible to improve the ceria catalytic properties, by mixing with zirconium oxide and adding metallic particles over the material surface. Meanwhile, the deposition of Zr atoms over CeO2(111) is little explored although it has already been used for synthesis Ag nanoparticles of controlled size. One of the particularities of the Zr/CeO2(111) systems is to form islands of height between 1,5 and 3,0 Å on the surface of the ceria, which are suggested in the literature to be Zr-O and O-Zr-O layers. However, the nature and magnitudes of interactions between Zr and CeO2 surface are little know, as well as the CeO2 modifications induced by Zr and the mechanisms for Zr oxidation and ZrO2 formation over the surface. Aiming to understand the Zr-CeO2(111) interactions and the ZrO2 formation over the CeO2(111), this mastering project perform a theoretical study of n (1 ≤ n ≤ 4) Zr adatoms absorption over CeO2(111), and the ZrO2 formation over CeO2(111). The charge analysis indicated charge transfer from Zr adatons to the surface together with change in species oxidation state. The Zr oxidize to Zr4+ and interact with surface O2- , where four Ce4+ cations reduce to Ce3+. Energetic analysis pointed out that the process is very stabilizing, more than 10 eV per Zr adatom. With the increase of quantity n of Zr adatoms over the surface, it is observer 4 × n Ce4+ reductions and O2- migrations from inside surface to close the Zr4+, forming ZrO2 aggregates over the surface. The O migration occurs because of two reasons, the O2- interaction with Zr4+ in the agregate is more stabilizer than the interaction of O2- with Ce3+ inside the surface, and the O migration decrease the strain produced bue to the radius of Ce3+ being greater than the Ce4+ radius. In addition, was found a stability trend for Zr4+ to migrate to inside surface Ce sites, due of the more Zr-O coordinations and release of the strain induced by Ce3+.

I sempre più stringenti vincoli normativi riguardanti le emissioni, richiedono lo sviluppo di modelli in grado stimare on-board le emissioni engine-out e le emissioni a valle del catalizzatore. Per modellare la chimica di un catalizzatore è richiesto un elevato sforzo computazione e questo va in contrapposizione con la necessità di lavorare real-time. La variabile che maggiormente influenza la dinamica del catalizzatore è l'ossigeno in esso contenuto, portando così a definire un modello oxygen storage dominated. Con questa tipologia di modellazione semplificata il catalizzatore viene descritto come un serbatoio di ossigeno con una sua dinamica di riempimento e svuotamento. Le possibili applicazioni su cui il modello potrebbe lavorare sono l’implementazione di una strategia di controllo lambda predittiva per i progetti con singolo brick e la modellazione del titolo a valle del GPF nei progetti con layout a cascata.

Magister Philosophiae - MPhil
Due to an increasing demand for energy, alternative renewable energy sources are investigated globally. However fossil fuels are still one of the main energy sources. The combustion of these fuels produces by-products such as SOx, NOx and CO2, which have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Therefore, effective methods are needed to minimize the pollution and affects that these by-products cause. Catalysts are commonly employed to convert these by-products to less harmful and/or resalable products. Ceria and ceria based materials are good candidates for the removal and conversion of SOx and NOx. Ceria and ceria related materials are most effective as catalysts when they are in the nano-form with good crystallinity and nanoparticles that are uniform. The growth of nanoparticles is preceded by a nucleation process which can occur by solid-state restructuring of a gel or precipitation from a saturated solution. The precipitation method was selected to synthesize Ceria nanoparticles. Synthesis conditions such as temperature, solution type and ageing time and their effect on the physical and chemical forms of the Ceria particles were investigated. The morphology and structural properties were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy was used to investigate the chemical properties. It was found that low temperatures, low base volume and a solvent with a small dielectric constant favor the formation of small crystallites with a relatively large concentration of defects. These defects are desirable since they enhance the catalytic activity of ceria.

Abstract The aim of the thesis was to find new information on the effect of BaO and oxygen storage capacity material on NOx reduction. A total of nine different kinds of Pd/Al2O3-based metallic monoliths were studied. Promoters such as oxygen storage capacity material (OSC material in our case Cex-1ZrxO2 mixed oxides) and stabilisers such as barium (BaO) were added into the catalyst alone or together to improve catalyst properties such as catalytic activity, selectivity, and thermal stability. The key aspects in this thesis can be divided into four parts. First, the behaviour of NO reduction and CO as well as C2H4 oxidation over Pd/Al2O3-based catalysts in rich, stoichiometric and lean conditions were studied. Secondly, the effect of BaO and the OSC material in NO reduction was considered. Thirdly, the preparation procedure, i.e. the addition order of BaO, OSC material, and Pd on the catalyst was considered. Finally, the effect of ageing on the behaviour of catalysts was investigated. Several characterization methods (in situ DRIFT, catalytic activity measurements, N2 physisorption, CO chemisorption, dynamic oxygen storage capacity measurements, and X-ray diffraction (XRD)) were utilised to find answers to the behaviour of these catalysts in the studied model reactions. The Rapid Ageing Hot in Laboratory (RAHLAB) method was used to age the catalyst. First, it was demonstrated that the CO and hydrocarbon oxidation and NO reduction reactions over the Pd/Al2O3-based catalyst behave differently. NO reduction and CO and hydrocarbon oxidation reactions were dependent on the reaction conditions and temperatures. Secondly, the effect of OSC and BaO on NO reduction was studied separately. In the case of OSC material, it was observed that the OSC material has an effect on NO reduction as well as on CO and C2H4 oxidation. In the case of BaO, it was observed that BaO has a positive effect on NO reduction as well as CO and C2H4 oxidation especially in rich conditions. Thirdly, the effects of the addition order of OSC and BaO on the catalyst was studied separately. It was shown that these have an effect on NO reduction, especially after ageing. First, on the fresh Pd/Al2O3 catalyst it was observed that the addition order of OSC on the catalyst has not an influence on catalyst performance. The effect of the BaO addition order on the Pd/OSC/Al2O3-based catalyst is found to be insignificant, especially, after the ageing process. Furthermore, it is observed that the effect of RAHLAB ageing was that the catalyst lost its catalytic activity, stability, and selectivity.

Depuis la découverte de la piézoélectricité dans le quartz, les besoins en matériaux efficaces pour des applications technologiques piézoélectriques (PZ) et d’Optiques Non-Linéaires (ONL) ont considérablement augmenté. Les deux propriétés doivent présenter une stabilité thermique élevée dans une large gamme de température. Dans le cadre de ma thèse, les matériaux de type quartz BaXO2 (X=Zn ou Co) ont donc été étudiés car ils cristallisent dans le même groupe d’espace P3121 que le quartz-a l'un des matériaux les plus utilisés, principalement pour ses propriétés de PZ et d’ONL.Nous avons commencé ce travail par le composé BaZnO2 car il présenterait un coefficient de couplage électromécanique K11=35,7% supérieur à celui du quartz. Une étude combinée expériences/théorie a permis de i) caractériser la stabilité chimique et thermique jusqu’à 1273 K, et de ii) déterminer les propriétés diélectriques et vibrationnelles (IR-Raman) du matériau. Les propriétés ONL, calculées par DFT, seraient en outre supérieures à celles du quartz.Dans BaCoO2, le degré d’oxydation +II du Co en symétrie tétraédrique implique un ordre antiferromagnétique à température ambiante (TN =330 K). Associé à la structure type quartz, un couplage piézo-magnétique peut être envisagé. BaCoO2 a été caractérisé structuralement/vibrationnellement (résultats confrontés à la théorie) jusqu’à 1273 K et une capacité de stockage d’oxygène réversible exceptionnelle a pu être mise en évidence dans BaCoO2+x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) par ATG, spectroscopie Raman et par diffraction de rayons X grâce à une séquence de transition topotactique
Since the discovery of the piezoelectricity in quartz, the need of efficient materials for piezoelectric and non-linear optic technological applications has increased dramatically. Both properties have to exhibit a high thermal stability over a wide temperature range. In my thesis work, the BaXO2 quartz type structure materials (X = Zn or Co) have been studied since they crystallize in the same P3121/P3221 space group than quartz, which is still one of the most widely used minerals mainly due to its piezoelectric properties.We have started this work with the BaZnO2 compound since first-principles-based calculations predicted an electromechanical coupling, k_11=35.7%. Our combined experimental and theoretical study allowed i) to characterize the chemical and thermal stability of BaZnO2 up to 1273 K, and ii) to determine the dielectric and vibrational (IR-Raman) properties of the material. Additionally the non-linear optic responses are predicted to be one order of magnitude higher than those reported for quartz.In BaCoO2, the oxidation state of Co (+II) in a tetrahedral symmetry implies an antiferromagnetic order at room temperature ( T_N=330 K). Associated with the -quartz type structure, a piezo-magnetic coupling can be considered. BaCoO2 was structurally and vibrationally characterized up to 1273 K (as obtained results were confronted to theory) and an exceptional reversible oxygen storage capacity was pointed out in BaCoO_(2+δ )(0 < δ ≤ 1) based on thermogravimetric measurements, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction characterizations. The oxygen insertion/disinsertion mechanism is governed by a topotactic transition sequence

Le réchauffement climatique, provoqué par l’augmentation de la concentration de CO2 dans l’atmosphère, est un problème majeur du 21ème siècle. C’est pourquoi, il est d’une importance capitale de valoriser l’utilisation des énergies renouvelables et des technologies de stockage d’énergie telles que les batteries Li-ion. Suivant ce but, les chercheurs ont mis au point un nouveau matériau d’électrode, le Li-rich NMC, dont l’utilisation permet d’augmenter significativement la capacité des batteries Li-ion grâce à la participation des oxygènes de l’oxyde dans la réaction électrochimique. Cependant, ce nouveau phénomène va de pair avec une hystérésis de potentiel qui empêche la commercialisation du Li-rich NMC. Afin de proposer une solution à l’hystérésis de potentiel tout en continuant à augmenter la capacité des électrodes, des études fondamentales sont nécessaires, notamment: la redox anionique a-t-elle une limite de capacité ? et, quelle est l’origine de l’hystérésis ? Pour répondre à la première question, nous avons conçu des matériaux, de composition chimique A3MO4 (A étant du Li ou Na, et M un mix de Ru, Sb, Nb, Ta ou Ir), ayant une redox anionique exacerbée. Après avoir caractérisé la structure de ces nouveaux matériaux, nous avons étudié leur mécanisme électrochimique et montré que la redox anionique est limitée par la décomposition de l’électrode via formation de O2 ou dissolution. Dans un second temps, par l’étude de deux nouveaux matériaux, Li1.3Ni0.27Ta0.43O2 et Li1.3Mn0.4Ta0.3O2 ayant des hystérésis de potentiel très différentes, nous avons montré le lien entre la redox anionique, la taille de la bande interdite, et l’hystérésis de potentiel
Global warming, due to the increasing CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, is a major issue of the 21th century, hence the need to move towards the use of renewable energies and the development of electrical storage devices, such as Li-ion batteries. Along that line, a new electrode material called Li-rich NMCs have been developed, having higher capacity, 290 mAh/g, than commercial materials, like LiCoO2 (150 mAh/g), thanks to participation of oxygen anions into the redox reaction. This process, called anionic redox, unfortunately comes with voltage hysteresis preventing the commercialization of Li-rich NMC. To alleviate this issue while increasing the capacity, fundamental understanding on anionic redox is needed, specifically concerning two points: is anionic redox limited in terms of capacity? And what is the origin of the voltage hysteresis? In a first part, with the aim to assess the limit of anionic redox capacity, we designed new compounds, having enhanced oxygen oxidation behavior, belonging to the A3MO4 family (A being Li or Na and with M a mix of Ru, Ir, Nb, Sb or Ta). We performed their synthesis, deeply characterized their structure, and, by studying their charge compensation mechanism, we showed that anionic redox is always limited by either O2 release or metal dissolution. In a second part, we designed two new materials, Li1.3Ni0.27Ta0.43O2 and Li1.3Mn0.4Ta0.3O2, having different voltage hysteresis, in order to identify the origin of this phenomenon. Coupling spectroscopic techniques with theoretical calculations, we suggest that the electronic structure, namely the size of the charge transfer band gap, plays a decisive role in voltage hysteresis

Depuis une dizaine d'années, on observe un développement de l'électronique embarquée intégrée à la plupart des objets que nous utilisons au quotidien. Il s'agit maintenant de les interconnecter en créant des réseaux embarqués connectés tels que les réseaux de capteurs autonomes sans fils. La miniaturisation des composants permet d'envisager une autonomie énergétique de ces réseaux composés de capteurs, récupérateurs d'énergie et de micro-batteries. Cependant la faible durée de vie des batteries et leur puissance limitée sont problématiques pour de telles applications. Les micro-supercondensateurs représentent une alternative pertinente pour la gestion de l'énergie dans les systèmes embarqués, notamment grâce à leur durée de vie très élevée. L'objectif de cette thèse concerne l'optimisation des performances de ces dispositifs en termes de densité de puissance et d'énergie. La capacité du supercondensateur étant proportionnelle à la surface électrochimiquement active des électrodes, nous nous sommes donc intéressés à la structuration de collecteurs de courant en or pour optimiser les performances des micro-supercondensateurs à base d'oxyde de ruthénium. Nous avons sélectionné deux principales techniques pour fabriquer une structure tridimensionnelle de l'or. Dans un premier temps, le dépôt physique d'or par évaporation à angle oblique (OAD) nous a permis de réaliser un substrat colonnaire suivi d'un dépôt d'oxyde de ruthénium. Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons mis en place un dépôt électrochimique d'or avec un modèle dynamique à bulles d'hydrogène. Cette technique permet la fabrication d'une structure d'or en trois dimensions par le biais d'un dépôt d'or réalisé simultanément avec une évolution d'hydrogène. L'électrodéposition de l'oxyde de ruthénium sur cette structure poreuse a montré une très bonne compatibilité notamment en terme d'homogénéité du dépôt, une forte capacité à faible vitesse de balayage (> 3 F/cm2) et une bonne cyclabilité. Pour tester les performances de ces électrodes, nous avons réalisé un dispositif complet en configuration empilée présentant de bonnes caractéristiques. Cette technologie de fabrication a pu par ailleurs être transférée à la micro-échelle pour des dispositifs planaires à l'aide de procédés de photolithographie sur électrodes interdigitées
The increasing importance of portable and wearable electronics as well as embedded wireless sensor networks has made energy autonomy a critical issue. Micro-energy autonomy solutions based on the combination of energy harvesting and storage may play a decisive role. However, the short lifetime of micro-batteries is problematic. Micro-supercapacitors are a promising solution in terms of energy storage for embedded systems on the account of their important lifetime. In this work we have focused on the optimization of the performances of micro-supercapacitors in terms of energy and power density. As the capacitance is directly related to the accessible surface area of the electrodes, we have investigated the structuration of the current collectors in order to improve the performances of ruthenium oxide-based micro-supercapacitors. Two mains technics have been studied to obtain three dimensional structures. In a first phase, the oblique angle physical vapor deposition (OAD) has been investigated to fabricate a columnar gold structure, subsequently covered by an electrochemical ruthenium oxide. In a second phase, a highly porous gold architecture has been studied using electrodeposition via a hydrogen bubbles dynamic template. The ruthenium oxide electrodeposited on the resulting mesoporous gold structure shows good compatibility, in terms of homogeneous deposition, with a significant capacitance at slow rate (> 3F.cm-2) and an important cyclability. As proof of concept, a device has been designed in a stack configuration with good performances. Moreover, the technology finalized for electrodes fabrication has been transferred to the micro-scale on planar interdigitated devices using a suitable photolithography process

Le développement de l'internet des objets au service des " Smart Cities " requière des sources d'énergie miniaturisées. Ces travaux concernent la préparation de micro- supercondensateurs à hautes performances par voies sèches. Des films minces de carbure de titane ont été déposés sur wafer de silicium par pulvérisation, puis convertis par chloration partielle en films de carbone dérivé de carbure microporeux adhérents. 205 mF.cm-2 / 410 F.cm-3 ont été délivrés en milieu 1M H2SO4, et 170 F.cm-3 dans un mélange de liquide ionique et d'acétonitrile en contrôlant la taille des micropores. Les micro-supercondensateurs préparés sur wafer par cette voie, compatible avec les techniques de microfabrication utilisées dans l'industrie des semi-conducteurs, surpassent les performances des micro-supercondensateurs sur puce rapportées jusqu'alors. Enfin, l'écriture laser d'oxydes commerciaux sur polyimide s'est avérée prometteuse pour la préparation de micro-supercondensateurs flexibles
The development of the internet of things, serving the concept of Smart Cities, demands miniaturized energy storage devices. Electrochemical double layer capacitors (or so called EDLCs) are a good candidate as they can handle fast charge and discharge over 1,000,000 cycles. This work focuses on the preparation of high performance micro- supercapacitors using non wet processing routes. Titanium carbide (TiC) thin films were first deposited on silicon wafer by non-reactive DC magnetron sputtering. The deposition parameters, such as pressure and temperature, were optimized to prepare dense and thick TiC films. Then, microporous carbide-derived carbon (CDC) films with sub-nanometer pore diameters were obtained by removing the metallic atoms of the TiC films under chlorine atmosphere. Partial chlorination led to strongly adherent TiC-CDC films which could be used as electrode in aqueous electrolyte. Capacitance values of 205 mF.cm-2 / 410 F.cm-3 were delivered in 1M H2SO4, and were stable over 10,000 cycles. In order to increase the energy density of the on-chip electrodes, the pore sizes were increased to accommodate the larger ions of organic electrolytes, by performing chlorination at higher temperatures. The 700°C chlorinated TiC-CDC electrodes delivered up to 72 mF.cm-2 within a 3 V potential window in an ionic liquid / acetonitrile mixture. Another strategy consisted in the grafting of anthraquinone (AQ) molecules, which brought additional faradic contribution to the capacitive current. Electrochemical grafting by pulsed chronoamperometry allowed to double the TiC-CDC capacitance in aqueous electrolyte (1M KOH). On-chip CDC-based micro-supercapacitors were successfully prepared via reactive ion etching/ inductive coupled plasma procedure followed by chlorination. This non-wet processing route is fully compatible with the microfabrication techniques used in the semi-conductor industry, and the as-prepared micro-devices outperforms the current state of art of on-chip micro-supercapacitors. Aside, the preparation of flexible micro-supercapacitors was achieved via direct laser-writing, which provided a facile and scalable engineering with low cost. Ruthenium oxide (RuO2)-based interdigitated electrodes were obtained from laser-writing of a commercial RuO2.xH2O / cellulose acetate mixture spin-coated onto KaptonTM. Capacitance values of ~30 mF.cm-2 were recorded in 1M H2SO4 for the flexible device. This work open the way for the design of high performance micro-devices at a large scale

Les polynucléaires neutrophiles représentent 50-70% des leucocytes sanguins et possèdent un rôle majeur dans la défense de l'organisme contre les pathogènes. Le Ca2+ est un second messager qui joue un rôle primordial dans le chimiotactisme, la phagocytose, la dégranulation et la production de formes réactives de l'oxygène (FRO) afin de neutraliser l'agent pathogène. Dans ces cellules, l'influx calcique de type SOCE est essentiel pour l'homéostasie calcique. Il est peu étudié en raison du manque d'outils pharmacologiques spécifiques d'où l'importance dans un premier temps de chercher de nouvelles molécules. Les cellules T Jurkat dont le SOCE est largement caractérisé servent de modèle pour la caractérisation initiale de ces molécules. Le 2-APB est parmi les molécules les plus largement utilisées dans la caractérisation du SOCE en raison de sa double activité sur le SOCE avec une potentialisation à [1-10 μM] et une inhibition à [> 20 μM]. En revanche, ce produit manque de spécificité et agit sur d'autres cibles cellulaires comme les récepteurs à l'inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate (InsP3Rs). La 1ère étape est de sélectionner à partir d'analogues commerciaux du 2-APB (Methoxy-APB, Dimethoxy-APB, Cyclic-APB, Benzothienyl-APB, Thienyl-APB et MDEB), des composés plus spécifiques et également plus efficaces que la molécule mère. Deux molécules se sont distinguées : le MDEB comme uniquement potentialisant du SOCE et le Benzothienyl-APB comme un puissant inhibiteur. En revanche, tous les analogues du 2-APB inhibent les InsP3Rs à l'exception du MDEB qui semble plus spécifique du SOCE. L'effet du MDEB sur le courant calcique, ICRAC, a été étudié grâce à la technique du patch-clamp. Il augmente d'environ 4 fois l'amplitude de ICRAC par rapport à celle enregistrée dans les cellules contrôle. Par ailleurs, le MDEB ralentie l'inactivation rapide de ICRAC due au Ca2+. Sur le plan physiologique, le MDEB à des concentrations croissantes inhibe la synthèse de l'IL-2 dans les cellules Jurkat stimulées et ceci malgré son effet potentialisant du SOCE. Cette activité est liée à son effet pro-apoptotique dans les cellules Jurkat stimulées. Le MDEB et le Benzothienyl-APB caractérisés dans la 1ère partie nous ont servi d'outils potentiels afin d'étudier le SOCE des cellules PLB-985 différenciées en cellules proches de neutrophiles. Le SOCE a été induit soit par un traitement des cellules avec la thapsigargine (Tg) soit de manière physiologique avec les peptides fMLF et le WKYMVm deux chimioattractants, ligands des récepteurs aux peptides formylés FPR et FPRL1 respectivement. En plus, le SOCE induit par la Tg est modulable par le 2-APB, potentialisé par le MDEB et inhibé par le Benzothienyl-APB. La phagocytose des levures par les cellules PLB-985 différenciées ainsi que la production de FRO intraphagosomales ont été inhibées par le MDEB et le Benzothienyl-APB. Les FRO extracellulaires ont été également inhibées par Benzothienyl-APB en revanche à cause de la forte interférence du MDEB avec la technique de mesure nous n'avons pas pu étudier ses activités. En conclusion, le MDEB et le Benzothienyl-APB sont de nouveaux outils pharmacologiques potentialisant ou inhibant le SOCE des leucocytes, qui nous permettront dans l'avenir une meilleure compréhension de l'entrée calcique et ses rôles dans ces cellules.

Ceria (CeO2) containing materials are the subject of numerous investigations recently owing to their broad range of applications in various fields. Ceria is one of the most important components of three-way catalysts (TWC). Two unique features are responsible for making CeO2 a promising material for use either as a support or as an active catalyst: (a) the Ce3+/Ce4+ redox couple, and (b) its ability to shift between CeO2 and CeO2–δ under oxidizing and reducing conditions retaining fluorite structure. Despite widespread applications, pure CeO2 has a serious problem of degradation in performance with time at elevated temperatures. CeO2 undergoes rapid sintering under high operating temperatures, which leads to loss of oxygen buffer capacity and deactivation of the catalyst. In addition, the amount of lattice oxygen taking part in the redox reactions is small (δ ~ 0.05), and therefore unsatisfactory for practical applications. Therefore further improvement of OSC of CeO2 has led to development of new CeO2-based oxygen storage materials. Modifications of CeO2 with isovalent or aliovalent ion (noble metal, rare-earth or transition metal) confer new properties to the catalysts, such as better resistance to sintering and high catalytic activity. The demand for ceria-based oxygen storage materials were accelerated in the 1970s with the introduction of strict automotives exhaust treatment worldwide to combat the obnoxious gases released in the atmosphere causing deterioration of air quality. Significant developments have occurred in this field leading to better understanding of the catalysts synthesis, structure and improved catalytic activity. The introductory chapter 1 is a compendium to provide an overview of the topic, examine the critical lacunae in the field and the proposal for future developments. In chapter 2 we present the studies on synthesis and catalytic properties of Ce1– xSnxO2 (x= 0.1–0.5) solid solution and its Pd substituted analogue. A brief description of the single step solution combustion synthesis, catalysts characterization techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are given. Design and fabrication of temperature programmed reduction by hydrogen (H2-TPR) system in this laboratory is given in details. The home-made temperature programmed catalytic reaction system with a quadrupole mass spectrometer and an on-line gas-chromatograph for gas analysis is described. For the synthesis of Ce1–xSnxO2 solid solution by a single-step solution combustion method we have used tin oxalate as precursor for Sn. The compounds were characterized by XRD, XPS and TEM. Oxygen storage capacity of the Ce1–xSnxO2 solid solution was measured by H2-TPR. The cubic fluorite structure remained intact up to 50% of Sn substitution in CeO2, and the compounds were stable up to 700 °C. Oxygen storage capacity of Ce1–xSnxO2 was found to be much higher than that of Ce1–xZrxO2 due to accessible Ce4+/Ce3+ and Sn4+/Sn2+ redox couples at temperatures between 200 to 400 °C. Pd2+ ions in Ce0.78Sn0.2Pd0.02O2-δare highly ionic, and the lattice oxygen of this catalyst is highly labile, leading to low temperature CO to CO2 conversion. The rate of CO oxidation was 2 μmolg–1s–1 at 50 °C. NO reduction by CO with 70% N2 selectivity was observed at ~200 °C and 100% N2 selectivity below 260 °C with 1000-5000 ppm NO. Pd2+ ion substituted Ce1–xSnxO2 catalyst can be used for low temperature exhaust applications due to the involvement of the Sn2+/Sn4+ redox couple along with Pd2+/Pd0 and Ce4+/Ce3+ couples. With the goal to understand the improved OSC for Ce1–xSnxO2 solid solution, we have investigated the structure and its relative stability based on first-principles density functional calculations. In chapter 3, we present our studies on the relative stability of Ce1–xSnxO2 solid solution in fluorite in comparison to rutile structure of the other end-member SnO2. Analysis of relative energies of fluorite and rutile phases of CeO2, SnO2, and Ce1–xSnxO2 indicates that fluorite structure is most stable for Ce1–xSnxO2 solid solution. An analysis of local structural distortions reflected in phonon dispersion show that SnO2 in fluorite structure is highly unstable while CeO2 in rutile structure is only weakly unstable. Thus, Sn in Ce1–xSnxO2-fluorite structure is associated with high local structural distortion whereas Ce in Ce1–xSnxO2-rutile structure, if formed, will show only marginal local distortion. Determination of M–O (M = Ce or Sn) bond lengths and analysis of Born effective charges for the optimized structure of Ce1–xSnxO2 show that local coordination of these cations changes from ideal eight-fold coordination expected of Ce4+ ion in fluorite lattice, leading to generation of long and short Ce–O and Sn–O bonds in the doped structure. Bond valence analyses for all ions show the presence of oxygen with bond valence ~1.84. These weakly bonded oxygen ions are relevant for enhanced oxygen storage/release properties observed in Ce1–xSnxO2 solid solution. In chapter 4, we present detailed structural analysis of Ce1–xSnxO2 and Ce1–x– ySnxPdyO2–δsolid solutions based on our DFT calculations supported with EXAFS studies. Both EXAFS analysis and DFT calculation reveal that in the solid solution Ce exhibits 4 + 4 coordination, Sn exhibits 4 + 2 + 2 coordination and Pd has 4 + 3 coordination. While the oxygen in the first four coordination with short M—O bonds are strongly held in the lattice, the oxygens in the second and higher coordinations with long M—O bonds are weakly bound, and they are the activated oxygen in the lattice. Bond valence analysis shows that oxygen with valencies as low as 1.65 are created by the Sn and Pd ion substitution. Another interesting observation is that H2-TPR experiment of Ce1–xSnxO2 shows a broad peak starting from 200 to 500 oC, while the same reduction is achieved in a single step at ~110 oC in presence Pd2+ ion. Substitution of Pd2+ ion thus facilitates synergistic reduction of the catalyst at lower temperature. We have shown that simultaneous reduction of the Ce4+ and Sn4+ ions by Pd0 is the synergistic interaction leading to high oxygen storage capacity at low temperature. In chapter 5, we present the effect of substituting aliovalent Fe3+ ion on OSC and catalytic activity of ceria. Ce0.9Fe0.1O2–δ and Ce0.89Fe0.1Pd0.01O2–δ solid solutions have been synthesized by solution combustion method, which show higher oxygen storage/release property compared to CeO2 and Ce0.8Zr0.2O2. Temperature programmed reduction and XPS study reveal that the presence of Pd ion in Ce0.9Fe0.1O2–δ facilitates complete reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ state and partial reduction of Ce4+ to Ce3+ state at temperatures as low as 105 oC compared to 400 oC for monometal-ionic Ce0.9Fe0.1O2–δ. Fe3+ ion is reduced to Fe2 and not to Fe0 due to favorable redox potential for Ce4 + Fe2൅ → Ce3 + Fe3 reaction. Using first-principles density functional theory calculation we determine M—O (M = Pd, Fe, Ce) bond lengths, and find that bond lengths vary from shorter (2.16 Å) to longer (2.9 Å) bond distances compared to mean Ce—O bond distance of 2.34 Åfor CeO2. Using these results in bond valence analysis, we show that oxygen with bond valences as low as –1.55 are created, leading to activation of lattice oxygen in the bimetal ionic catalyst. Temperatures of CO oxidation and NO reduction by CO/H2 are lower with the bimetal ionic Ce0.89Fe0.1Pd0.01O2–δ catalyst compared to monometal-ionic Ce0.9Fe0.1O2–δ and Ce0.99Pd0.01O2–δ catalysts. From XPS studies of Pd impregnated on CeO2 and Fe2O3 oxides, we show that the synergism leading to low temperature activation of lattice oxygen in bimetal-ionic catalyst Ce0.89Fe0.1Pd0.01O2–δ is due to low-temperature reduction of Pd2 to Pd0, followed by Pd0 + 2Fe3൅ → Pd2 +2Fe2, Pd0 + 2Ce4൅ → Pd2 + 2Ce3redox reaction. In chapter 6, we simulate the structure of Ce1–xMxO2–δ (M = transition metal, noble metal and rare–earth ions) for theoretical understanding of origin of OSC in these oxides and to draw a general criteria required to increase the OSC in ceria. The relationship between the OSC and structural changes induced by the dopant ion was investigated by H2-TPR and first-principles based density functional calculations. Transition metal and noble metal ions substitution in ceria greatly enhances the reducibility of Ce1–xMxO2–δ (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Pd, Pt, Ru), whereas rare–earth ions substituted Ce1–xAxO2–δ (A = La, Y) have very little effect in improving the OSC. Our simulated optimized structure shows deviation in cation–oxygen bond length from ideal bond length of 2.34 Å (for CeO2). For example, our calculation for Ce28Mn4O62 structure shows that Mn—O bonds are in 4+2 coordination with average bond lengths of 2.0 and 3.06 Å respectively. While the four short Mn–O bond lengths for the calculated structure spans the bond distance region of Mn2O3, and the other two Mn–O bonds are moved to longer distances. The dopant transition and noble metal ions also affects Ce coordination shell and results in the formation of longer Ce—O bonds as well. Thus longer cation-oxygen bond lengths for both dopant and host ions results in enhanced synergistic reduction of the solid solution. With Pd ion substitution in Ce1–xMxO2–δ (M = Mn Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) further enhancement in OSC is observed in H2–TPR. This effect is reflected in our calculations by the presence of still longer bonds compared to the model without Pd ion doping. Synergistic effect is, therefore, due to enhanced reducibility of both dopant and host ion induced due to structural distortion of fluorite lattice in presence of dopant ion. For RE ions (RE = Y, La) our calculations show very little deviation of bonds lengths from ideal fluorite structure. The absence of longer Y— O/La—O and Ce–O bonds make the structure very less susceptible to reduction [8]. Since Pd substituted Ce1–xSnxO2 showed high OSC and catalytic activity towards CO oxidation and NO reduction, we tested this catalyst for water-gas shift (WGS) reaction and the results are presented in chapter 7. Over 99.5 % CO conversion to H2 is observed at 300 ± 25 oC. Based on different characterization techniques we found that the present catalyst is resistant to deactivation due to carbonate formation and sintering of Pt on the surface when subjected to longer duration of reaction conditions. The catalyst does not require any pre-treatment or activation between start-up/shut-down reaction operations. Formation of side products such as methane, methanol, formaldehyde, coke etc. was not observed under the WGS reaction conditions indicating the high selectivity of the catalyst for H2. Temperature programmed reduction of the catalyst in hydrogen (H2–TPR) shows reversible reduction of Ce4+ to Ce3+, Sn4+ to Sn2+ and Pt4+ to Pt0 oxidation state with oxygen storage capacity (OSC) of 3500 μmol g–1 at 80 oC. Such high value of OSC indicates the presence of highly activated lattice oxygen. CO oxidation in presence of stoichiometric O2 shows 100 % conversion to CO2 at room temperature. The catalyst also exhibits 100% selectivity for CO2 at room temperature towards preferential oxidation (PROX) of residual CO in presence of excess hydrogen in the feed. To further validate our DFT results presented in the thesis, DFT calculations on Ce2Zr2O8–Ce2Zr2O7 system were performed and the results are given in the last chapter 8. Ce2Zr2O7 does not show any oxygen storage/release property unlike Ce2Zr2O8 (=Ce0.5Zr0.5O2). Bond lengths obtained from DFT simulation on Ce2Zr2O7 structure showed well-defined Ce—O and Zr—O bonds expected of the pyrochlore structure, unlike distribution of bond lengths as has been observed for Ce1–xMxO2–δ case. Absence of bonds distribution indicates that the oxygen sublattice is not distorted in Ce2Zr2O7 in agreement with its closed packed structure. Filling of the 1/8 of the tetrahedral oxide ion vacancies will result in Ce2Zr2O8 structure, and DFT calculation for this structure show wide distribution of bond lengths. Long Ce—O and Zr—O bonds appear in the bond-distribution plot, suggesting substantial distortion of the oxygen sublattice. Thus absence of longer cation-oxygen bond in pyrochlore structure validates the structural calculations presented in this thesis. Based on the results derived in all the chapters, a critical review of the work is presented and major conclusions are given in the last chapter

Ceria (CeO2) containing materials are the subject of numerous investigations recently owing to their broad range of applications in various fields. Ceria is one of the most important components of three-way catalysts (TWC). Two unique features are responsible for making CeO2 a promising material for use either as a support or as an active catalyst: (a) the Ce3+/Ce4+ redox couple, and (b) its ability to shift between CeO2 and CeO2–δ under oxidizing and reducing conditions retaining fluorite structure. Despite widespread applications, pure CeO2 has a serious problem of degradation in performance with time at elevated temperatures. CeO2 undergoes rapid sintering under high operating temperatures, which leads to loss of oxygen buffer capacity and deactivation of the catalyst. In addition, the amount of lattice oxygen taking part in the redox reactions is small (δ ~ 0.05), and therefore unsatisfactory for practical applications. Therefore further improvement of OSC of CeO2 has led to development of new CeO2-based oxygen storage materials. Modifications of CeO2 with isovalent or aliovalent ion (noble metal, rare-earth or transition metal) confer new properties to the catalysts, such as better resistance to sintering and high catalytic activity. The demand for ceria-based oxygen storage materials were accelerated in the 1970s with the introduction of strict automotives exhaust treatment worldwide to combat the obnoxious gases released in the atmosphere causing deterioration of air quality. Significant developments have occurred in this field leading to better understanding of the catalysts synthesis, structure and improved catalytic activity. The introductory chapter 1 is a compendium to provide an overview of the topic, examine the critical lacunae in the field and the proposal for future developments. In chapter 2 we present the studies on synthesis and catalytic properties of Ce1– xSnxO2 (x= 0.1–0.5) solid solution and its Pd substituted analogue. A brief description of the single step solution combustion synthesis, catalysts characterization techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are given. Design and fabrication of temperature programmed reduction by hydrogen (H2-TPR) system in this laboratory is given in details. The home-made temperature programmed catalytic reaction system with a quadrupole mass spectrometer and an on-line gas-chromatograph for gas analysis is described. For the synthesis of Ce1–xSnxO2 solid solution by a single-step solution combustion method we have used tin oxalate as precursor for Sn. The compounds were characterized by XRD, XPS and TEM. Oxygen storage capacity of the Ce1–xSnxO2 solid solution was measured by H2-TPR. The cubic fluorite structure remained intact up to 50% of Sn substitution in CeO2, and the compounds were stable up to 700 °C. Oxygen storage capacity of Ce1–xSnxO2 was found to be much higher than that of Ce1–xZrxO2 due to accessible Ce4+/Ce3+ and Sn4+/Sn2+ redox couples at temperatures between 200 to 400 °C. Pd2+ ions in Ce0.78Sn0.2Pd0.02O2-δare highly ionic, and the lattice oxygen of this catalyst is highly labile, leading to low temperature CO to CO2 conversion. The rate of CO oxidation was 2 μmolg–1s–1 at 50 °C. NO reduction by CO with 70% N2 selectivity was observed at ~200 °C and 100% N2 selectivity below 260 °C with 1000-5000 ppm NO. Pd2+ ion substituted Ce1–xSnxO2 catalyst can be used for low temperature exhaust applications due to the involvement of the Sn2+/Sn4+ redox couple along with Pd2+/Pd0 and Ce4+/Ce3+ couples. With the goal to understand the improved OSC for Ce1–xSnxO2 solid solution, we have investigated the structure and its relative stability based on first-principles density functional calculations. In chapter 3, we present our studies on the relative stability of Ce1–xSnxO2 solid solution in fluorite in comparison to rutile structure of the other end-member SnO2. Analysis of relative energies of fluorite and rutile phases of CeO2, SnO2, and Ce1–xSnxO2 indicates that fluorite structure is most stable for Ce1–xSnxO2 solid solution. An analysis of local structural distortions reflected in phonon dispersion show that SnO2 in fluorite structure is highly unstable while CeO2 in rutile structure is only weakly unstable. Thus, Sn in Ce1–xSnxO2-fluorite structure is associated with high local structural distortion whereas Ce in Ce1–xSnxO2-rutile structure, if formed, will show only marginal local distortion. Determination of M–O (M = Ce or Sn) bond lengths and analysis of Born effective charges for the optimized structure of Ce1–xSnxO2 show that local coordination of these cations changes from ideal eight-fold coordination expected of Ce4+ ion in fluorite lattice, leading to generation of long and short Ce–O and Sn–O bonds in the doped structure. Bond valence analyses for all ions show the presence of oxygen with bond valence ~1.84. These weakly bonded oxygen ions are relevant for enhanced oxygen storage/release properties observed in Ce1–xSnxO2 solid solution. In chapter 4, we present detailed structural analysis of Ce1–xSnxO2 and Ce1–x– ySnxPdyO2–δsolid solutions based on our DFT calculations supported with EXAFS studies. Both EXAFS analysis and DFT calculation reveal that in the solid solution Ce exhibits 4 + 4 coordination, Sn exhibits 4 + 2 + 2 coordination and Pd has 4 + 3 coordination. While the oxygen in the first four coordination with short M—O bonds are strongly held in the lattice, the oxygens in the second and higher coordinations with long M—O bonds are weakly bound, and they are the activated oxygen in the lattice. Bond valence analysis shows that oxygen with valencies as low as 1.65 are created by the Sn and Pd ion substitution. Another interesting observation is that H2-TPR experiment of Ce1–xSnxO2 shows a broad peak starting from 200 to 500 oC, while the same reduction is achieved in a single step at ~110 oC in presence Pd2+ ion. Substitution of Pd2+ ion thus facilitates synergistic reduction of the catalyst at lower temperature. We have shown that simultaneous reduction of the Ce4+ and Sn4+ ions by Pd0 is the synergistic interaction leading to high oxygen storage capacity at low temperature. In chapter 5, we present the effect of substituting aliovalent Fe3+ ion on OSC and catalytic activity of ceria. Ce0.9Fe0.1O2–δ and Ce0.89Fe0.1Pd0.01O2–δ solid solutions have been synthesized by solution combustion method, which show higher oxygen storage/release property compared to CeO2 and Ce0.8Zr0.2O2. Temperature programmed reduction and XPS study reveal that the presence of Pd ion in Ce0.9Fe0.1O2–δ facilitates complete reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ state and partial reduction of Ce4+ to Ce3+ state at temperatures as low as 105 oC compared to 400 oC for monometal-ionic Ce0.9Fe0.1O2–δ. Fe3+ ion is reduced to Fe2 and not to Fe0 due to favorable redox potential for Ce4 + Fe2൅ → Ce3 + Fe3 reaction. Using first-principles density functional theory calculation we determine M—O (M = Pd, Fe, Ce) bond lengths, and find that bond lengths vary from shorter (2.16 Å) to longer (2.9 Å) bond distances compared to mean Ce—O bond distance of 2.34 Åfor CeO2. Using these results in bond valence analysis, we show that oxygen with bond valences as low as –1.55 are created, leading to activation of lattice oxygen in the bimetal ionic catalyst. Temperatures of CO oxidation and NO reduction by CO/H2 are lower with the bimetal ionic Ce0.89Fe0.1Pd0.01O2–δ catalyst compared to monometal-ionic Ce0.9Fe0.1O2–δ and Ce0.99Pd0.01O2–δ catalysts. From XPS studies of Pd impregnated on CeO2 and Fe2O3 oxides, we show that the synergism leading to low temperature activation of lattice oxygen in bimetal-ionic catalyst Ce0.89Fe0.1Pd0.01O2–δ is due to low-temperature reduction of Pd2 to Pd0, followed by Pd0 + 2Fe3൅ → Pd2 +2Fe2, Pd0 + 2Ce4൅ → Pd2 + 2Ce3redox reaction. In chapter 6, we simulate the structure of Ce1–xMxO2–δ (M = transition metal, noble metal and rare–earth ions) for theoretical understanding of origin of OSC in these oxides and to draw a general criteria required to increase the OSC in ceria. The relationship between the OSC and structural changes induced by the dopant ion was investigated by H2-TPR and first-principles based density functional calculations. Transition metal and noble metal ions substitution in ceria greatly enhances the reducibility of Ce1–xMxO2–δ (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Pd, Pt, Ru), whereas rare–earth ions substituted Ce1–xAxO2–δ (A = La, Y) have very little effect in improving the OSC. Our simulated optimized structure shows deviation in cation–oxygen bond length from ideal bond length of 2.34 Å (for CeO2). For example, our calculation for Ce28Mn4O62 structure shows that Mn—O bonds are in 4+2 coordination with average bond lengths of 2.0 and 3.06 Å respectively. While the four short Mn–O bond lengths for the calculated structure spans the bond distance region of Mn2O3, and the other two Mn–O bonds are moved to longer distances. The dopant transition and noble metal ions also affects Ce coordination shell and results in the formation of longer Ce—O bonds as well. Thus longer cation-oxygen bond lengths for both dopant and host ions results in enhanced synergistic reduction of the solid solution. With Pd ion substitution in Ce1–xMxO2–δ (M = Mn Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) further enhancement in OSC is observed in H2–TPR. This effect is reflected in our calculations by the presence of still longer bonds compared to the model without Pd ion doping. Synergistic effect is, therefore, due to enhanced reducibility of both dopant and host ion induced due to structural distortion of fluorite lattice in presence of dopant ion. For RE ions (RE = Y, La) our calculations show very little deviation of bonds lengths from ideal fluorite structure. The absence of longer Y— O/La—O and Ce–O bonds make the structure very less susceptible to reduction [8]. Since Pd substituted Ce1–xSnxO2 showed high OSC and catalytic activity towards CO oxidation and NO reduction, we tested this catalyst for water-gas shift (WGS) reaction and the results are presented in chapter 7. Over 99.5 % CO conversion to H2 is observed at 300 ± 25 oC. Based on different characterization techniques we found that the present catalyst is resistant to deactivation due to carbonate formation and sintering of Pt on the surface when subjected to longer duration of reaction conditions. The catalyst does not require any pre-treatment or activation between start-up/shut-down reaction operations. Formation of side products such as methane, methanol, formaldehyde, coke etc. was not observed under the WGS reaction conditions indicating the high selectivity of the catalyst for H2. Temperature programmed reduction of the catalyst in hydrogen (H2–TPR) shows reversible reduction of Ce4+ to Ce3+, Sn4+ to Sn2+ and Pt4+ to Pt0 oxidation state with oxygen storage capacity (OSC) of 3500 μmol g–1 at 80 oC. Such high value of OSC indicates the presence of highly activated lattice oxygen. CO oxidation in presence of stoichiometric O2 shows 100 % conversion to CO2 at room temperature. The catalyst also exhibits 100% selectivity for CO2 at room temperature towards preferential oxidation (PROX) of residual CO in presence of excess hydrogen in the feed. To further validate our DFT results presented in the thesis, DFT calculations on Ce2Zr2O8–Ce2Zr2O7 system were performed and the results are given in the last chapter 8. Ce2Zr2O7 does not show any oxygen storage/release property unlike Ce2Zr2O8 (=Ce0.5Zr0.5O2). Bond lengths obtained from DFT simulation on Ce2Zr2O7 structure showed well-defined Ce—O and Zr—O bonds expected of the pyrochlore structure, unlike distribution of bond lengths as has been observed for Ce1–xMxO2–δ case. Absence of bonds distribution indicates that the oxygen sublattice is not distorted in Ce2Zr2O7 in agreement with its closed packed structure. Filling of the 1/8 of the tetrahedral oxide ion vacancies will result in Ce2Zr2O8 structure, and DFT calculation for this structure show wide distribution of bond lengths. Long Ce—O and Zr—O bonds appear in the bond-distribution plot, suggesting substantial distortion of the oxygen sublattice. Thus absence of longer cation-oxygen bond in pyrochlore structure validates the structural calculations presented in this thesis. Based on the results derived in all the chapters, a critical review of the work is presented and major conclusions are given in the last chapter

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In this work, the effect of the nanosized CZA2 (cerium-zirconium-aluminium) on the performance and emissions in a two- cylinder indirect injection (IDI) diesel engine, was studied. CZA2 was dispersed in diesel (D100) and waste cooking oil and tallow origin biodiesel-diesel blends (B10, B20, B30) and tested at different engine loads and constant speed. The nanocatalyst (CZA2) increased the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and decreased the brake thermal efficiency (BTE, %) of all tested fuels, at all loads, except B20 at the lowest load. CZA2 reduced nitrogen oxides (NOx) from D100 at low and high engine loads, as well as carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC) at medium and high tested loads. The dispersion of CZA2 promoted the combustion of the biodiesel blends by almost eliminating HC while reducing NOx and CO emissions at various loads. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with Attenuated Total Reflectance- Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that the addition of CZA2 in diesel and biodiesel under pyrolysis and oxidation conditions resulted in the presence of saturated species like ketones and final oxidation products such as CO2, supporting their improved combustion and emissions’ reduction in the engine tests.
The full text will be available at the end of the publisher's embargo, 29th Nov 2019

Three-way catalysis (TWC) involves simultaneous removal of the three pollutants (i.e., CO, NOx, and HCs) which led to the branch of auto-exhaust catalysis. CeO2 has become the main component of TWC catalyst because of its oxygen storage storage (OSC) property to supply oxygen under excess fuel condition and store oxygen under lean condition. Substitution of smaller isovalent cations like Ti4+, Zr4+ and Hf4+ ions in CeO2 forming Ce1-xMxO2 (M = Ti, Zr &Hf) solid solution enhance the OSC property. XRD along with EXAFS study showed that cations arrange in FCC lattice but oxygen coordination around metal ions is split into 4 + 4 coordination in Ce1-xMxO2 instead of ideal 8 coordination in CeO2. The longer Ce/Ti/Zr – O bonds are weakly bound and can be easily removed by H2 giving high OSC value than pure CeO2. Among the three OSC systems studied here, Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 showed exceptionally high OSC which lead to formation of a new a pyrochlore, Ce2Zr2O6.3. This compound is nearly metallic. Ce0.85-xTi0.15PtxO2- (x = 0.01 & 0.02) crystallizes in fluorite structure and Pt is ionically substituted with 2+ and 4+ oxidation states. H/Pt atomic ratio at 30 oC over Ce0.84Ti0.15Pt0.01O2- is 5 and over Ce0.99Pt0.01O2-δ is 4 against just 0.078 for 8 nm Pt metal particles. Carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon oxidation activity are much higher over Ce1-x-yTixPtyO2 (x= 0.15, y= 0.01, 0.02) compared to Ce1-xPtxO2 (x= 0.01, 0.02). Synergistic involvement of Pt2+/Pt0 and Ti4+/Ti3+ redox couples in addition to Ce4+/Ce3+ due to the overlap of Pt(5d), Ti(3d), and Ce(4f) bands near EF is shown to be responsible for enhanced redox property and higher catalytic activity. On substitution of Pd ion in Ce1-xTixO2, more lattice oxygen is found to be more labile than Pd in CeO2. The easy removal of oxygen from the more reducible Ti4+ containing support plays a major role in showing higher catalytic activity of this material for CO oxidation, N2O and NO reduction by CO. The catalyst shows 100% N2 selectivity  240 oC in NO+CO reaction. It has been shown that oxide ion vacancy creation created by removal of lattice oxygen by CO is responsible for dissociation of NO or N2O at a lower temperature. Ionicity of Pd2+ ion in different support could be varied by varying the ionicity of the oxide support itself. Rates of CO oxidation increases or activation energy decreases over Ce1-xPdxO2-δ, Ti1-xPdxO2-δ and Ce1-x-yMxPdyO2-δ (M = Ti, Zr, Hf ; x = 0.25, 0.4 ; y = 0.02) is increased with ionicity of Pd2+ ion. The substitution of Sn in CeO2 forming Ce1-xSnxO2 (x = 0.1-0.5) solid solution was prepared using tin oxalate precursor by solution combustion method. These oxides can be promising support for noble metals because of the Sn4+  Sn2+ redox couple in addition to Ce3+/Ce4+. The two electron process involved in the redox reaction of Sn as well as easy reducibility of Sn4+ to Sn2+ offers a far better redox catalytic system hitherto not reported. Ce1-xSnxO2 solid solutions as well as Pd ion substituted Ce1-xSnxO2 was prepared for the first time.

Three-way catalysis (TWC) involves simultaneous removal of the three pollutants (i.e., CO, NOx, and HCs) which led to the branch of auto-exhaust catalysis. CeO2 has become the main component of TWC catalyst because of its oxygen storage storage (OSC) property to supply oxygen under excess fuel condition and store oxygen under lean condition. Substitution of smaller isovalent cations like Ti4+, Zr4+ and Hf4+ ions in CeO2 forming Ce1-xMxO2 (M = Ti, Zr &Hf) solid solution enhance the OSC property. XRD along with EXAFS study showed that cations arrange in FCC lattice but oxygen coordination around metal ions is split into 4 + 4 coordination in Ce1-xMxO2 instead of ideal 8 coordination in CeO2. The longer Ce/Ti/Zr – O bonds are weakly bound and can be easily removed by H2 giving high OSC value than pure CeO2. Among the three OSC systems studied here, Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 showed exceptionally high OSC which lead to formation of a new a pyrochlore, Ce2Zr2O6.3. This compound is nearly metallic. Ce0.85-xTi0.15PtxO2- (x = 0.01 & 0.02) crystallizes in fluorite structure and Pt is ionically substituted with 2+ and 4+ oxidation states. H/Pt atomic ratio at 30 oC over Ce0.84Ti0.15Pt0.01O2- is 5 and over Ce0.99Pt0.01O2-δ is 4 against just 0.078 for 8 nm Pt metal particles. Carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon oxidation activity are much higher over Ce1-x-yTixPtyO2 (x= 0.15, y= 0.01, 0.02) compared to Ce1-xPtxO2 (x= 0.01, 0.02). Synergistic involvement of Pt2+/Pt0 and Ti4+/Ti3+ redox couples in addition to Ce4+/Ce3+ due to the overlap of Pt(5d), Ti(3d), and Ce(4f) bands near EF is shown to be responsible for enhanced redox property and higher catalytic activity. On substitution of Pd ion in Ce1-xTixO2, more lattice oxygen is found to be more labile than Pd in CeO2. The easy removal of oxygen from the more reducible Ti4+ containing support plays a major role in showing higher catalytic activity of this material for CO oxidation, N2O and NO reduction by CO. The catalyst shows 100% N2 selectivity  240 oC in NO+CO reaction. It has been shown that oxide ion vacancy creation created by removal of lattice oxygen by CO is responsible for dissociation of NO or N2O at a lower temperature. Ionicity of Pd2+ ion in different support could be varied by varying the ionicity of the oxide support itself. Rates of CO oxidation increases or activation energy decreases over Ce1-xPdxO2-δ, Ti1-xPdxO2-δ and Ce1-x-yMxPdyO2-δ (M = Ti, Zr, Hf ; x = 0.25, 0.4 ; y = 0.02) is increased with ionicity of Pd2+ ion. The substitution of Sn in CeO2 forming Ce1-xSnxO2 (x = 0.1-0.5) solid solution was prepared using tin oxalate precursor by solution combustion method. These oxides can be promising support for noble metals because of the Sn4+  Sn2+ redox couple in addition to Ce3+/Ce4+. The two electron process involved in the redox reaction of Sn as well as easy reducibility of Sn4+ to Sn2+ offers a far better redox catalytic system hitherto not reported. Ce1-xSnxO2 solid solutions as well as Pd ion substituted Ce1-xSnxO2 was prepared for the first time.

The impacts of fluorine doping of ceria are studied by means of surface science experimental methods. Fluorine-doped and fluorine-free ceria layers are epitaxially grown on rhodium single crystals and their properties are compared in regular and inverse catalyst configurations. A procedure for epitaxial growth of CeO2(110) and CeOxFy(110) layers on Rh(110) single crystal is developed and described in detail. Shape alterations of Ce 3d spectrum brought about by fluorine doping are explained and a suitable deconvolution method is proposed. Special attention is focused towards stability of fluorine in ceria. Presented data show that fluorine incorporation in ceria lattice causes stable reduction of ceria, which withstands up to 200řC in near-ambient pressure conditions. Morphological changes are observed due to elongation of surface lattice constant of reduced ceria. Oxygen storage capacities and hydrogen oxidation reaction rates of four different studied systems are compared and discussed. The twofold nature of oxygen exposure of fluorinated ceria is discovered and explained. Oxygen repels fluorine from the surface, while the remaining part of fluorine is expelled to adsorbate positions, where its electronic state is altered. Moreover, such fluorine is prone to interact with atomic hydrogen. This reaction is...