Application of {(DMF)(10)Ln(2)[Pd(CN)(4)](3))(infinity) (Ln = Yb, Sm) as lanthanide-palladium catalyst precursors dispersed on sol-gel-TiO2 in the reduction of NO by methane in the presence of oxygen

Cyanide bridged lanthanide-palladium transition metal complexes were employ ed as catalyst precursors in the catalytic reduction of NO with methane. Co mplexes {(DMF)(10)Ln(2) [Pd(CN)(4)](3)}(infinity) (Ln = Yb, Sm; DMF = dimet hyl formamide) were dispersed (10 wt.% loading based upon palladium) on sol -gel titania supports and reduced by ammonia or hydrogen to metallic nanopa rticles containing palladium and lanthanide metals. They were tested for ca talytic activity in NO reduction by CH4 in the presence of oxygen. The bime tallic catalysts were found to be active for NO reduction up to the stoichi ometric oxygen concentrations. They displayed improved performance over a p alladium only catalyst. Catalysts were examined by TEM, and XPS techniques before, during, and after the reaction. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.