Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nano Ce–Zr–Y Oxide Solid Solution for Automotive Three‐Way Catalyst

Nano Ce–Zr–Y (CZY) oxide solid solution was synthesized using hydrothermal method using the nitrate of cerium, zirconium, and yttrium as raw materials and urea as a hydrolysis agent. The sample was characterized using a X‐ray diffraction and FT‐Raman spectra to show whether Zr and Y ions were incorporated into the crystal cell of CeO2. Scanning electronic microscopy and transmission microscopy images were recorded to examine the particle morphology. Meanwhile, the palladium‐only three‐way catalyst (TWC)‐containing CZY was prepared and evaluated under the condition of simulated exhaust. The results show that CZY has a cubic fluorite structure and the as‐synthesized solid solution has a particle diameter less than 100 nm. The TWC‐containing CZY has a higher catalytic activity including a wider operation window of air/fuel ratio and a lower lighter‐off temperature.