A comparative study of Au/MnOx and Au/FeOx catalysts for the catalytic oxidation of CO in hydrogen rich stream

A comparative study of the catalytic activity and stability of two types of metal oxides supported Au catalysts for selective CO oxidation in the presence of hydrogen has been studied with the simulated reformed gas in the temperature range of 50-190 °C. Effects of CO2 and H2O in the feed gas on the catalytic activity of both catalysts as well as catalytic stability were compared. It was found that Au/MnOx gave 93% conversion and 58% selectivity at 130 °C while Au/FeOx gave 98% conversion and 53% selectivity at 50 °C. Interestingly, both catalysts could resist up to 10%H2O in the reactant feed while their activities were suppressed in the presence of 20%CO2. The deactivation was not observed during a 48 h stability test for both catalysts.