Dynamic structural change in Pd-perovskite automotive catalyst studied by time-resolved dispersive x-ray absorption fine structure

Dynamic structural change in Pd-perovskite automotive catalyst, LaFe0.9Pd0.1O3, which has a high catalytic activity during aging, was studied by in situ time-resolved dispersive x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy at 200–500 °C. An Al2O3-based conventional catalyst was also studied. In a reductive atmosphere, both catalysts showed similar temperature dependences of structural transformation from an oxide to a metal. However, different temperature dependence was observed in an oxidative atmosphere. A faster response in the structural change was observed in the Pd-perovskite catalyst than in the Pd/Al2O3 catalyst. It was revealed that Pd-perovskite shows a considerably fast structural change to the oxidized state via the movement of Pd atoms into the perovskite crystal, in comparison with Pd/Al2O3 showing two-step structural change for making PdO.