Enhanced activity and hydrothermal stability of Rh-based three-way catalyst for emission control from motorcycles with the assistance of monoethanolamine

Abstract In this work, an advanced Rh/CeO 2 –ZrO 2 (Rh/CZ) three-way catalyst was synthesized with the assistance of monoethanolamine. Compared with conventional Rh/CZ, the dispersion and oxidation state of Rh species, as well as the hydrothermal aging resistance are remarkably modified. That is, upon aging treatment, conventional Rh/CZ undergoes severe agglomeration of Rh species and formation of large amount of reduction-resistive RhO 2 , resulting in serious catalyst deactivation. Fortunately, after the introduction of monoethanolamine, the sintering of Rh species and transformation into inactive RhO 2 upon aging are effectively suppressed. Consequently, improved reducibility and advanced three-way catalytic activity are achieved for the modified catalyst.