Non-noble, efficient catalyst of unsupported α-CrO nanoparticles for low temperature CO Oxidation.

Herein, we report the synthesis of chromium oxide nanoparticles, α -CrO NPs, followed by full characterization via XRD, SEM, XPS, and N sorptiometry. The synthesized nanoparticles were tested as catalysts toward the oxidation of CO. The impact of calcination temperature on the catalytic activity was also investigated. CO conversion (%), light-off temperature, T, data were determined. The results revealed that chromia obtained at low calcination temperature (400 °C) is more active than those obtained at high calcination temperatures (600° or 800 °C) and this is ascribed to the smaller particle size and higher surface area of this sample. The results revealed a superior catalytic activity of CrO NPs at lower temperature as we reached a complete conversion at 200 °C which is high value in the forefront of the published results of other non-noble catalysts. The high activity of CrO nanoparticles (T as low as 98 °C) where found to be dependent on a careful selection of the calcination temperature. These results may provide effective and economic solutions to overcome one of the major environmental threats.