Ultra-efficient\nRu and Nb Co-Modified CeO<sub>2</sub> Catalysts for Catalytic Oxidation\nof 1,2-Dichloroethane

The\noxidation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds on CeO<sub>2</sub> is hindered by its high susceptibility to chlorine poisoning,\nresulting in a reduced efficiency and stability. In this study, Ru-\nand Nb-co-modified CeO<sub>2</sub> catalysts were designed to achieve\nexcellent activity, stability, and CO<sub>2</sub> selectivity in the\ncatalytic oxidation of 1,2-dichloroethane (EDC). The formation of\nNb–O–Ce bonds was observed to enhance the surface acidic\nsites, thereby improving HCl selectivity and reducing the production\nof chlorinated byproducts. Meanwhile, it inhibits the formation of\nRu–O–Ce and promotes the generation of highly dispersed\nRuO<sub>2</sub> particles on the surface, enhancing the redox properties\nand mobility of the surface oxygen, thus increasing CO<sub>2</sub> selectivity. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform\nspectroscopy results revealed that chlorine species preferentially\nattach to Nb species rather than to oxygen vacancies on the Ru/Nb/CeO<sub>2</sub> catalyst. This allows more alkane groups to oxidize to formate\non the oxygen vacancies, reducing byproduct concentration. Additionally,\nthe oxidation of alkane groups to carboxylic acids is initiated on\nthe Nb species, completing a comprehensive oxidation process under\nthe synergistic effect of RuO<sub>2</sub>.