Investigation on synergistic effect of CuO and Cu–O–Ce on efficient oxidation of ethyl acetate over CuO/CeO₂ catalysts

The high activity of ethyl acetate (EA) combustion is studied over the CuO/CeO₂ catalysts which are prepared by the ball milling method, and the relationships between catalytic activity and active sites of CuO and Cu–O–Ce structure are investigated. The finely dispersed CuO particles (around 1.0 nm) and Cu–O–Ce structure are prepared in the CuO/CeO₂ catalysts when 5 wt% Cu loading is acquired with the calcination temperature at 500 °C. Complete conversion of ethyl acetate to CO₂ is achieved at 210 °C. Via controlling calcination temperatures and treatments by alkaline/acid, it is demonstrated that the synergistic effect between highly dispersed CuO and Cu–O–Ce structure results in a better ability of oxygen activation and catalytic activity for the 5-CuO/CeO₂(500) catalyst. This study provides a feasible strategy for designing an efficient CuO/CeO₂ catalyst and an insight into the structure–activity relationship.