Preparation of a mesoporous ceria–zirconia supported Ni–Fe catalyst for the high temperature water–gas shift reaction

A Ni–Fe/ceria–zirconia catalyst with ordered mesostructure was prepared by the hard-template method employing mesoporous silica (KIT-6) as a template to impart its highly ordered structure to the ceria–zirconia mixed oxide support. Catalytic activities of the Ni–Fe/CeO2–ZrO2 catalyst for the water–gas shift reaction were superior to those of a commercial Fe–Cr-based catalyst. The ordered structure of Ni–Fe/CeO2–ZrO2 catalyst became more stable compared to one prepared without zirconia due to structural stabilization of the mixed oxide by added zirconia in the framework. Alloying of Ni and Fe and enhanced mobility of lattice oxygen in the oxide support may promote its catalytic activity and selectivity for the water–gas shift reaction.

Graphical AbstractMesoporous Ni–Fe/CeO2–ZrO2 as highly active catalyst for the water–gas shift reaction.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► Mesoporous Ni–Fe/CeO2–ZrO2 catalyst exhibited excellent performance for the WGS.
► The ordered structure of Ni–Fe/CeO2–ZrO2 became more stable by zirconia addition.
► Alloying of Ni and Fe was essential to suppress undesirable CO methanation.
► Enhanced mobility of lattice oxygen in the oxide support promoted the WGS activity.