High temperature water–gas shift Cu catalysts supported on Ce–Al containing materials for the production of hydrogen using simulated coal-derived syngas

Novel Cu-based catalysts supported on both Ce–La–Al and Ce–Zr–Al supports were investigated for the water–gas shift reaction in the temperature range 450 to 600 °C. Ce–La–Al containing Cu catalysts exhibited high activity and stability for the high temperature water–gas shift reaction with catalyst 10%Cu / (36.8%CeO2 + 30.2%LaOx + 33.0%AlOx) (CE18), achieving the highest activity with 15.5% CO conversion at 600 °C and atmospheric pressure, higher than its counterpart Ce–Zr–Al containing Cu catalyst. This high activity and stability may originate from the synergistic effect of the interaction between Cu and catalyst support, the redox behaviour of catalyst support as well as the stabilizing effect of Al2O3.

Ce–Al containing Cu catalysts were investigated for the production of hydrogen from simulated coal-derived syngas gas via the WGS reaction at elevated temperatures. 10%Cu / (36.8%CeO2 + 30.2%LaOx + 33.0%AlOx) (CE18) exhibited high activity and stability at 600 °C and atmospheric pressure, higher than its counterpart Ce–Zr–Al containing Cu catalyst and a commercial iron–chromium high temperature shift catalyst at 450 °C. This high activity and stability may originate from the synergistic effect of the interaction between Cu and catalyst support, the redox behaviour of catalyst support as well as the stabilizing effect of Al2O3.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlightsCe-La-Al containing Cu catalysts have been investigated for high temperature water-gas shift (WGS) at high temperatures. The results show: ▶ 10%Cu/(36.8%CeO2+30.2%LaOx+33.0%AlOx) exhibited high activity and stability at 600°C and atmospheric pressure, higher than a commercial high temperature shift catalyst at 450°C. ▶ The role of La in maintaining the high activity and stability of Ce-La-Al containing Cu catalysts. ▶ The synergistic effect of the interaction between Cu and catalyst support plays an important role in maintaining high activity and stability of Ce-La-Al containing Cu catalysts.