Insights into the promotion mechanism of ceria-zirconia solid solution to ethane combustion over Pt-based catalysts

•Pt/CZ11 and Pt/Al2O3 were prepared with identical Pt content and dispersion.•Pt/CZ11 possessed more superior activity for C2H6 combustion.•Interaction between Pt and CZ11 promoted ethane oxidation.•Additional activation routine was proposed for C2H6 combustion on Pt/CZ11 catalyst.