Multishell hollow CeO2/CuO microbox catalysts for preferential CO oxidation in H2-rich stream

•Synthesis of a multishell hollow CuO support•Multishell structure reduces agglomeration of CuO species.•Optimum ratio of CeO2 to CuO provides active sites with high concentration.•30CeO2/CuO has a wider full CO conversion window and higher CO2 selectivity.

Multishell hollow CuO microbox was synthesized by a template method and the Ce(IV) nitrate solution was impregnated into the hollow cavity of the CuO support. The as-prepared catalysts were characterized by FESEM, TEM, XRD, N2 physisorption and H2-TPR. It is found that the alternate CuO and CeO2 multishell structure reduces the agglomeration of CuO species and improves the dispersion of CeO2. The special structure ensures even distribution of the two species in the material matrix and the optimum ratio of CeO2 to CuO provides two-component active sites with high concentration. Thus, the wider full CO conversion window and higher CO2 selectivity are achieved over the 30CeO2/CuO microbox catalyst.

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