CuO/CeO2 catalysts with well-dispersed active sites prepared from Cu3(BTC)2 metal-organic framework precursor for preferential CO oxidation

► Catalysts for preferential CO oxidation in H2-rich steam. ► Metal-organic framework (MOF) was applied to synthesis of CuO/CeO2 catalysts. ► The feature of MOF is beneficial to the dispersion of active sites on the support. ► The catalysts with well-dispersed active sites on the support. ► The catalysts exhibited excellent catalytical activities.