Low-Temperature Photothermal Catalytic Oxidation of Toluene on a Core/Shell SiO₂@Pt@ZrO₂ Nanostructure

High-efficiency, low-temperature, durable catalysts are regarded as promising tools for oxidizing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this study, we design an alternative core/shell structure with inert porous SiO₂ nanoparticles decorated with Pt nanoparticles as the core and an ultrathin ZrO₂ layer as the shell (SiO₂@Pt@ZrO₂), where the average thickness of the ZrO₂ shell is 6 nm. The close three-dimensional contact between the Pt nanoparticles and the ZrO₂ shell maximizes the metal–support interaction and enables strong electronic interactions. Consequently, the as-prepared samples show superior charge separation, thermal stability, and reactive oxygen generation capacity. Photothermal synergetic catalytic activity is demonstrated via the toluene oxidation reaction, and it is found that toluene can be completely oxidized within 1 h of light illumination at 150 °C, compared to 80% oxidation under the same conditions without light illumination. The results provide insight into the design of high-performance catalysts of refractory VOCs.