HKUST-1 MOF: A matrix to synthesize CuO and CuO-CeO2 nanoparticle catalysts for CO oxidation

The oxidation of carbon monoxide using the metal organic framework (MOF) HKUST-1 is studied. Catalytic results and characterizations by XRD, TEM, H-2-TPR, SEM and LRS show that HKUST-1 itself is not effective in CO oxidation, but is activated in the reaction atmosphere segregating active 5-15 nm CuO particles upon the collapse of the MOF structure. Furthermore, the microporous structure of HKUST-1 is effective to disperse Ce precursors which, upon activation, allow the synthesis of a mixture of CuO and CeO2 nanoparticles in intimate contact. These nanoparticles present a very high activity in CO oxidation. It is shown that this synthesis route employing HKUST-1 as a matrix is useful to immobilize CuO-Ce2O nanoparticles in a monolithic reactor, while keeping a high catalytic activity. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.