TITLE:
3D Electrospinning of Pd/TiO2-Based Nanofibrous Aerogel Catalysts for Catalytic Infrared Heating
AUTHORS:
Qiying Zhao, Qunhui Jiang, Wenjuan Qu, Haile Ma, Jianwei Lu
KEYWORDS:
3D Electrospinning, Nanofibrous Aerogel, Catalytic Infrared Heating, Catalytic Combustion
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering,
Vol.14 No.2,
February
9,
2026
ABSTRACT: Catalytic infrared heating offers an energy-efficient and low-emission alternative to traditional flame-based heating. However, its practical application is limited by the insufficient activity, thermal durability, and structural stability of current catalysts under continuous combustion conditions. In this study, Pd-doped TiO2/SiO2/Y2O3 nanofibrous aerogel catalysts (PTSY-NFAs) with tunable Pd loadings were synthesized via a one-step 3D sol-gel electrospinning technique, followed by calcination. This process resulted in a binder-free, continuously interconnected nanofibrous aerogel framework characterized by high surface area, excellent thermal stability, and strong mechanical resilience. The influence of Pd loading on the microstructure, redox behavior, and catalytic performance was examined systematically. The optimized PTSY-11-NFA catalyst achieved an LPG conversion efficiency of 99% and a peak infrared surface temperature of 587˚C. A prototype catalytic infrared heater integrated with this catalyst displayed uniform surface temperatures ranging from 423˚C to 509˚C and maintained stable long-term operation, surpassing the performance of a commercial catalyst. This study demonstrates a scalable design strategy for noble metal-doped ceramic nanofibrous aerogels aimed at achieving high-efficiency catalytic infrared heating.