Structure-activity relationship in Pd/CeO2 methane oxidation catalysts

Palladium based catalysts are the most active for methane oxidation. The tuning of their composition, structure and morphology at macro and nanoscale can alter significantly their catalytic behavior and robustness with a strong impact on their overall performances. Among the several combinations of supports and promoters that have been utilized, Pd/CeO2 has attracted a great attention due to its activity and durability coupled with the unusually high degree of interaction between Pd/PdO and the support. This allows the creation of specific structural arrangements which profoundly impact on methane activation characteristics. Here we want to review the latest findings in this area, and particularly to envisage how the control (when possible) of Pd-CeO2 interaction at nanoscale can help in designing more robust methane oxidation catalysts.