Nanotubular Pt-loaded TiO2 catalysts with vanadium-doping to enhance water–gas shift reaction activity

Abstract

We increased the reactivity of Pt-loaded TiO₂ catalysts for the water–gas shift reaction (WGSR) by inducing the TiO₂ support to form nanotubes, and by doping it with vanadium (V). To understand the reaction mechanisms and the factors contributing to the increased catalytic activity, we used in situ DRIFTS, XPS, pulsed reaction, and isotopic exchange experiments. The Pt-loaded V-doped tube-shaped TiO₂ catalyst exhibited a significantly elevated WGSR activity; this result can be attributed to the catalyst's increased surface area, higher dispersion of loaded metal, and H₂O dissociation ability. This study suggests that the modified Pt-loaded TiO₂ catalysts have significant potential for use in the WGSR process, and that the combination of TiO₂ shape control and V-doping can lead to improved catalytic activity. It also provides a method to directly elucidate the impact of active factors on catalysts by systematic mechanism studies.