Supported copper–ceria catalysts for low temperature CO oxidation

In this investigation, CuO/CeO2–MxOy (MxOy = Al2O3, ZrO2 and SiO2) nanocomposite oxide catalysts were prepared by deposition-precipitation and wet impregnation methods, and evaluated for CO oxidation. Catalysts were characterized by XRD, TEM, UV–vis DRS, BET surface area and H2-TPR techniques. The synthesized catalysts exhibited high specific surface area, and uniform particle size distribution over the supports. The nanocrystalline texture of mixed metal oxides is clearly evidenced by TEM analysis. TPR and XRD results revealed synergetic interactions between copper oxide and ceria. Among various catalysts investigated, the CuO/CeO2–Al2O3 combination exhibited excellent CO oxidation activity with T1/2 = 374 K and 100% CO conversion at below 420 K.