Tailoring SnO2 structures for enhanced Pd/SnO2 catalytic activity in low-concentration methane oxidation

Tin dioxide (SnO2) nanorods, nanosheets, and nanoparticles were synthesized to explore the influence of morphology on the catalytic performance of Pd/SnO2 in CH4 oxidation. Among these, Pd/SnO2 nanorods exhibited superior activity, achieving the earliest onset of methane conversion (T10%at 227 degrees C) and complete conversion (T100% at 400 degrees C), compared to nanosheets and nanoparticles. The structure-activity study indicates that the nanorod morphology not only enhances the availability of active oxygen species and increases the Pd2+/ Pd4+ ratio, but also lowers the reduction temperature of Pd-O-Sn moieties. These features collectively enhance the oxidation of CH4. This study highlights the critical role of SnO2 morphology in optimizing the catalytic efficiency of Pd/SnO2, providing valuable insights for designing catalysts aimed at low-concentration CH4 oxidation.