The optimization of the supported Pd phase for CH4 activation on Pd/CeO2 catalysts has been a matter
of great interest in the recent literature, aiming at the design of efficient methane abatement catalysts
for Natural Gas fueled Vehicles (NGVs). Under lean conditions, a mixed Pd0
/PdO combination has been
indicated as exhibiting the best performance, while controversial results have been reported under
stoichiometric conditions depending on the support oxide, where either Al2O3 or zeolite-based supports
are usually considered. Here, by means of synchrotron-based in situ NAP-XPS and XRD measurements,
we follow the evolution of Pd species on Pd/CeO2 samples prepared by dry mechanochemical synthesis
(M) under stoichiometric CH4 oxidation feed, unravelling a stable Pd0
/Pd2+ arrangement in a close to
1 : 1 ratio as the most active palladium state for CH4 activation when excess oxygen is not available, in
contrast to what was reported for Pd/alumina materials, where metallic Pd0 nanoparticles showed the
highest activity. The combination of NAP-XPS analysis and activity test results highlights the promotional
effect of the Pd–Ce interaction, resulting in enhanced oxygen transfer and improved activity and stability
of the Pd/CeO2 catalyst prepared by a novel mechanochemical approach even under low O2 content,
large excess of water vapor (10 vol%) and high temperature exposure (4700 1C).
