Lean NO adsorption on copper catalysts supported on ceria and promoted with sodium

The simultaneous presence of sodium and copper on novel Na/Cu/CeO2 and Na/Cu/CeY catalysts resulted in a dramatic increase in the catalytic adsorption of NO. Copper catalyzes the oxidation of NO to NO2, which is further adsorbed by the sodium phase. The intimate contact of both phases favors the formation of nitrates on the surface. The cooperative effect between the copper and sodium phases increases the reduction temperature of copper. It was found that the addition of copper induced a stabilizing effect on the surface area of the catalysts.

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► The novel Na/Cu/CeO2 and Na/Cu/CeY catalysts show a dramatic increase in activity.
► Adding copper induces a stabilizing effect on the surface area of the catalysts.
► The results indicate a cooperative effect between the copper and sodium phases.
► The addition of sodium increases the reduction temperature of copper.
► The favored sodium–copper interaction increases the activity of the catalysts.