Performance of Zr/CeO _2- Al ₂ O ₃ Catalyst towards Oxidation of Diesel Soot

Current work focuses on developing a non-noble metal-based Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) with high efficiency. In this work, 1% and 3% Zr supported on mesoporous CeO₂-Al₂O₃ was prepared. The morphological, structural, and catalytic behavior of the synthesized catalyst was investigated through the BET surface area, SEM-EDX, XRD, and TGA. BET and XRD data revealed the catalyst’s mesoporous nature with a high surface area and low crystallinity. SEM images showed the porous nature of the catalyst’s surface, devoid of any agglomeration or sintering. EDX analysis further confirmed the elemental composition of the catalyst surface. TGA was used to study catalysts’ activity towards soot oxidation in loose contact mode. T₅₀ observed for soot oxidation catalyzed over 1%, and 3% Zr/CeO₂-Al₂O₃ was 263°C and 331°C, while for uncatalyzed soot, it was 400°C. The results conclude that the catalyst significantly enhanced soot oxidation. Comparing both catalysts, 3% Zr/CeO₂-Al₂O₃ is more efficient than 1% Zr/CeO₂-Al₂O₃.