MnO2 nanoparticles encapsuled in spheres of Ce-Mn solid solution: Efficient catalyst and good water tolerance for low-temperature toluene oxidation

[Display omitted] •MnO2 nanoparticles were encapsuled in spheres of Ce-Mn solid solution.•The package structure of catalyst shows superior activity of toluene oxidation.•Synergistic effect between the shell material and cavity nanoparticles is crucial.•The shell contributes to high water resistance and thermal stability. The high-efficient catalyst is critical for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) catalytic oxidation. MnO2 nanoparticles encapsuled in spheres of Ce-Mn solid solution (package structure) are controllable designed and applied for the catalytic oxidation of toluene, a representative of VOCs. Our study indicates that the obtained Ce1Mn2 (molar ratio of Ce:Mn = 1:2) catalyst displays much better toluene oxidation activity than pristine MnO2 and CeO2. Meanwhile, the shell of Ce-Mn solid solution contributes to superior thermal stability and resistance against 5 vol% H2O. The synergistic effect between two oxides is maximized by the package structure, giving rise to high BET surface area, good reducibility and fast oxygen mobility, which in turn leads to the outstanding catalytic performance in Ce1Mn2. Additionally, in situ DRIFTS results indicate that intermediate species COO and OCH(O) are found during the catalytic oxidation of toluene over Ce1Mn2, which is mainly dominated by MvK mechanism.