Activity and selectivity control by niobium for the preferential oxidation of co on pt supported catalysts

The promotional effect of Nb on Pt supported on alumina or on niobia, was studied for the preferential oxidation of CO (PROX) in hydrogen. The results show a unique effect of Nb as a promoter to Pt. At low Nb loadings on Pt/alumina, the CO oxidation activity and selectivity are significantly increased. The CO selectivity is 100% at conversions up to about 60%. For Pt supported on Nb2O5, however, the CO oxidation activity is strongly suppressed with low CO conversion but high H2 oxidation activity. Pt on niobia, therefore, is poorly selective for the PROX reaction, but is an active hydrogen oxidation catalyst, resistant to CO poisoning. For Pt supported on highly loaded Nb-alumina or Nb2O5, XPS indicate an increase in the Pt and Nb oxidation states. These surface changes also correlate with changes in the DRIFTS spectra suggesting that CO is more weakly adsorbed on Pt/Nb2O5 compared to Pt/Al2O3, or Pt/Nb-Al2O3.

The activity of niobia supported platinum catalysts have been studied during the preferential oxidation of CO (PROX) in a hydrogen rich flow. The results reported here show a unique effect of niobium as a catalyst, which can either acts as a promoter or as inhibitor depending on niobia content. Increasing the niobia content increases the oxidation states of Pt and Nb affecting also their binding energies.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide