Enhancing sulfur resistance of oxides in carbon monoxide oxidation by a high‐entropy‐stabilized strategy

Abstract

Industrial chemical processes require sulfur‐resistant catalysts, which reduce catalyst replacement costs and simplify process operations. Herein, a high‐entropy‐stabilized strategy was put forward for sulfur‐resistant catalysis. A spinel high entropy (Zn0.2Mg0.2Cu0.2Mn0.2Co0.2Al2O4) was introduced by ball milling process with aluminum isopropoxide as the main precursor. Zn0.2Mg0.2Cu0.2Mn0.2Co0.2Al2O4 possessed a high surface area of 171.2 m2 g−1, higher than typical high‐entropy oxides (HEOs). The high‐entropy spinel catalyst exhibited better SO2‐resistance performance in the oxidation of carbon monoxide, better than the simple oxides. The SO2‐resistance of Zn0.2Mg0.2Cu0.2Mn0.2Co0.2Al2O4 was primarily improved by reinforcing the stability of the oxide using a high‐entropy structure to decrease the absorption of SO2 on its surface. Any adsorbed SO2 on the surface of the HEO was then selectively trapped by sacrificial metal ions with stronger electron‐withdrawing ability, protecting the active center (Cu2+, Co2+) from poisoning. This work reveals the significance of high‐entropy structures in sulfur resistance.