Abstract: RuO2 nanoparticles with an average diameter of 4.9 nm were prepared using the sol-gel method. Ru-based embedded catalysts were prepared by one-step deposition using MgAl2O4 spinel as the support. The nanoparticles and the catalysts were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the Ru nanoparticles were evenly distributed in the MgAl2O4 spinel support. The as-prepared embedded catalyst showed high activity for the water-gas shift reaction, and the Ru nanoparticles contacted with reactant molecules through the pores formed during the calcination of the catalyst. The addition of an appropriate amount of K2O and La2O3 promoters effectively improved the catalyst activity.

Key words: ruthenium, nanoparticle, lanthana, potassium oxide, embedded catalyst, water-gas shift reaction