In Situ High-Temperature Reconstruction of the Pd-CoAlOx Interface: A Facile Activation Strategy for Enhancing Methane Combustion

Catalytic combustion represents an efficient technique for methane abatement, including in ventilation air methane and natural gas vehicle exhaust. However, the most attractive Pd-based catalysts still face challenges related to their insufficient low-temperature activity and thermal stability. In the present work, employing an in situ high-temperature activation strategy, the Pd/CoAlO x catalyst was treated at 900 °C under reaction conditions. Compared to conventionally air-treated catalysts, the in situ activated Pd/CoAlO x -rea catalyst demonstrated a significant decrease in T 90 (reduced by 74 °C) and enhanced stability, with no obvious loss of activity over 52 h. Multiple characterizations revealed that heat treatment under reaction conditions promotes the redispersion of surface Pd species at high temperatures, enhancing catalytic activity. Additionally, in situ high-temperature treatment increases the concentration of oxygen defects, strengthens the electronic metal–support interaction (MSI) between the CoAlO x support and PdO particles, enhances PdO anchoring, and facilitates more Pd species to participate in the PdO/Pd 0 redox cycle, thereby enhancing the thermal stability of Pd/CoAlO x catalysts.