The effects of La3+ incorporation into a Pt/CeO2/Al2O3 catalyst were i
nvestigated by a combination of activity, temperature-programmed reduc
tion (TPR), oxygen storage capacity (OSC), noble-metal surface area, a
nd X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Incorporation of La3+ ions in
to the Al2O3, before CeO2 is added, promoted higher Pt and CeO2 disper
sions. The oxygen storage capacity was also higher in the presence of
La3+. This is attributed to a combination of Pt and CeO2 particle-size
effects and possible blockage of the reaction between Al2O3 and CeO2.
The XRD data show that La3+ forms LaAlO3 with Al2O3 and prevents alph
a-Al2O3 formation after various heat treatments.