Abstract
We developed a method for preparing catalysts by using hybrid clustering to form a high density of metal/oxide interfacial active sites. A Rh-Mo hybrid clustering catalyst was prepared by using a hybrid cluster, [(RhCp*)(4)Mo(4)O(16)] (Cp* = η(5)-C(5)Me(5)), as the precursor. The activities of the Rh-Mo catalysts toward the NO-CO-C(3)H(6)-O(2) reaction depended on the mixing method (hybrid clustering > coimpregnation ≈ pristine Rh). The hybrid clustering catalyst also exhibited high durability against thermal aging at 1273 K in air. The activity and durability were attributed to the formation of a high-density of Rh/MoO(x) interfacial sites. The NO reduction mechanism on the hybrid clustering catalyst was different from that on typical Rh catalysts, where the key step is the N-O cleavage of adsorbed NO. The reducibility of the Rh/MoO(x) interfacial sites contributed to the partial oxidation of C(3)H(6) to form acetate species, which reacted with NO+O(2) to form N(2) via the adsorbed NCO species. The formation of reduced Rh on Rh(4)Mo(4)/Al(2)O(3) was not as essential as that on typical Rh catalysts; this explained the improvement in durability.