High activity in CO oxidation of Ag nanoparticles supported on fumed silica

Thermal decomposition of Ag nitrate on fumed silica resulted in catalysts which showed higher efficiency in CO oxidation as compared to the Ag catalysts described in the literature. The catalysts were active at sub-ambient temperatures, ensured complete conversion of CO at temperatures near ambient (specific activities > 50 h− 1 per total mass of Ag, 30 °C) and remained selective in H2-containing mixtures. Water vapors in ppm quantities in the feed gave positive effect on catalytic activity. The catalysts were stable during testing for several hours and could be reactivated after long-term testing with a full retention of activity.

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► Conventional method of catalyst synthesis but excellent catalytic properties.
► Remarkable activity in low-temperature CO oxidation.
► Unexpected effect of water on catalytic performance.