Effect of original activated carbon support and the presence of NOx on CO oxidation over supported Wacker-type catalysts

► The support properties greatly affected CO oxidation on Wacker-type catalyst. ► The increase of oxygen groups on activated carbon enhanced CO oxidation. ► The increase of oxygen groups promoted the surface enrichment of Pd and Cu ions. ► The enhanced interaction between Pd and Cu ions promoted the CO oxidation. ► The presence of NOx obviously inhibited CO oxidation.