The CeO2 morphology modulates the density and catalytic performance of dual-active site for enhancing the palmitic acid conversion

Designing active sites with multi-function to meet the complicated reaction is a challenge task. Herein, we find that morphology of cerium oxide (CeO2) shows strong influence on the density and catalytic reactivity of dual-active site formed on it. Nanorods CeO2 (CeO2-NR) has large specific surface area and abundant oxygen vacancy (O-v), making small size of Ni (below 2 nm) highly disperse on it. However, 39.7 nm Ni poorly distributes on CeO2 composed of irregularly stacked particles (CeO2-NP), displaying much smaller specific surface area and fewer O-v compared with those on CeO2-NR. Small size Ni and abundant O-v show better abilities in activation of H-2 and palmitic acid, respectively. Moreover, abundant O-v and highly dispersed Ni increase their intimacy on CeO2-NR. These make Ni/CeO2-NR catalyst has high density of Ni-O-v dual-active site, showing better synergetic catalytic performance for conversion of palmitic acid into alkanes than that on Ni/CeO2-NP.