Cu-doped CeO2 spheres: Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity

The Cu-doped CeO2 spheres were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. It is confirmed that the spheres composed of many tiny particles are favorable for the gas diffusion in the inner pores. The doping copper is demonstrated to increase the storage and mobility of oxygen vacancy, surface area, and chemisorption sites for CO and enhance the redox capability, which can efficiently convert CO to CO2 at low temperature. The excellent catalytic performance of Cu (10 at.%)-doped CeO2 spheres are associated with the porous spherical structure, high redox capability and high oxygen vacancy. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.