Nanostructured CuxCe1−xO2−y mixed oxide catalysts: Characterization and WGS activity tests

CuxCe1−xO2−y mixed oxide catalysts were prepared by different preparation procedures: co-precipitation, the sol–gel peroxide route, and the sol–gel citric acid-assisted route. The resulting solids were investigated by means of XRD, BET, H2 and CO temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), oxidation (TPO) and desorption (TPD) analyses, and N2O pulse selective reaction. It was confirmed that H2 (CO) consumed for complete reduction of well-dispersed and bulk-like CuO phases to Cu0, reduction of surface ceria and H2 (CO) adsorption on the catalyst surface contribute to the total H2 (CO) consumption. Among catalysts examined, the Cu0.15Ce0.85O2−y mixed oxide sample prepared by means of co-precipitation method exhibits the highest activity and stability for water–gas shift (WGS) pulse reaction in the range of employed operating conditions. WGS activity of copper–ceria mixed oxide catalysts is determined by the extent of surface ceria reduction and dispersion of copper species.

Graphical abstractNanostructured Cu–Ce mixed oxide catalysts prepared by co-precipitation method exhibit promising activity and stability for water–gas shift (WGS) reaction.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide