Electronic Configurations Effect of Ceria Nanowire-Based Catalysts for Efficient CO Oxidation

Introducing transition metal elements is a powerful strategy to tailor the electrochemical properties of ceria nanostructures. However, the electronic configuration effect is still ambiguous. Herein, a series of ultrathin nanowire-based catalysts, Ce1–xMxO2 (M = Cu, Fe, Co, and Ni), have been precisely synthesized, showing the lowered complete reaction temperatures (T100) and enhanced catalytic efficiencies for efficient CO oxidation. Theoretical calculations elucidate that transition metals facilitate the catalytic process by weakening metal–oxygen bonds during CO adsorption and strengthening them during CO2 desorption. The higher the saturation extent of 3d electrons, the stronger the promotion effect of the transition elements on CO oxidation. Therefore, the present work reveals the significance of the electronic configuration effect on transition metal-doped ceria nanomaterials, which contributes to developing superior catalysts for highly efficient CO oxidation.