The synergistic effect of the structural precursors of Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts for water-gas shift reaction

► The Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts (Cu/Zn=1, Al=4-24 mol%) were prepared by co-precipitation for low-temperature water-gas-shift reaction in H2-rich feed gas. ► The Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts were characterized by means of on-line gas chromatographs, XRD, DSC and TPR. ► The synergistic effect of the structural precursors was detected in catalyst containing Al level of 4-24 mol%. ► The aurichalcite has been partially intercalated into the hydrotalcite and assimilated the surrounding structure during precipitation.