To evaluate the effects of different TiO₂ crystalline phases on the catalytic oxidation performance of benzene on Pt-loaded TiO₂ catalysts, physicochemical examinations were conducted using several spectroscopic and analytical techniques. Obvious effects on the valence state and morphology of Pt were exhibited by different crystalline phases. The rutile phase favored the formation of specific Pt(111) crystal faces, which enhanced the amount of surface-active oxygen species. Moreover, the àPt-O-Ti species was formed between Pt⁴⁺ and Ti at the edge of the Pt nanoparticles, promoting both electron flow and the transfer of reactive oxygen species, thus accounting for catalytic activity.

The catalytic oxidation of VOCs is widely acknowledged as the most available technology to reduce air pollution. Among the catalysts for VOCs, 1 wt%-Pt/TiO₂ catalysts using metal as a doping element have shown amazing potential in many fields. However, achieving high catalytic performance at relatively low temperatures based on the activation of molecules is still a formidable challenge owing to the catalytic activity being highly dependent on temperature. Here, the role of the rare earth metal Ce in the catalytic oxidation of ethane was studied by preparing Pt/Ce_xTi_1−xO₂ (x = 0, 0.002, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, and 0.05) catalysts. When the Ce/(Ce+Ti) molar ratio was 0.01, Pt/Ce_0.01Ti_0.99O₂ achieved 90% ethane conversion at 436 °C. This reaction temperature is 15% lower than that for Pt/TiO₂. The characterization results show that the doping of Ce caused lattice expansion of TiO₂ and its distortion brought about by oxygen vacancies. Additionally, the appropriate amount of Ce-doping can alter the interaction between the active component Pt and the carrier TiO₂, thereby improving the activity and concentration of the active surface lattice oxygen species of the catalyst. These results provide a foundation for the design of the catalytic oxidation of VOCs under mild operating conditions.

The role of SO₂ in the catalytic oxidation of light hydrocarbons remains controversial, especially in terms of its effects on catalyst performance and reaction pathways. In this study, the Pt/CeZrTiO₂ catalyst was synthesized to explore the influence of SO₂ during the catalytic combustion of ethane. The results revealed two distinct roles of SO₂: (1) SO₂ interacts with the catalyst, forming new active structures that facilitate C-H bond cleavage, alter the ethane oxidation pathway, and enhance low-temperature C₂H₆ conversion. (2) SO₂ participates in the reaction process, replenishing active sites and maintaining a balance between two ethane oxidation pathways, leading to improved high-temperature C₂H₆ conversion and enhanced catalytic combustion efficiency. This study provides new insights into the role of SO₂ in modulating catalyst properties and reaction pathways for efficient light hydrocarbon combustion.