Synthesis, characterisation, and CO oxidation activity of M/Al2O3 meso phase catalysts (M=Ce, V, Cu)

•First report on comparison on CO oxidation activity of V, Ce and Cu dispersed on meso alumina.•Identification of Cu/Meso Al system as active catalyst among the series.•Low temperature reducibility was concluded as the governing factor.

Here we compare the ability of V, Ce, and Cu supported mesoporous alumina catalysts in facilitating the oxidation of carbon monoxide, an identified major air pollutant. The catalyst systems are characterised using physico–chemical methods including SEM, TEM, XRD, BET surface area analysis, porosity studies, TPR, and DR-UV analysis. Cu/Al system has been identified as the most efficient catalyst among the series. The highest activity of copper based system is attributed to the low temperature reducibility of the dispersed copper ions when compared to the other two active metal ion species.

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