Freeze-dried Co3O4-CeO2 catalysts for the preferential oxidation of CO with the presence of CO2 and H2O in the feed

A synthesis method in two steps was used to obtain Co3O4-CeO2 (COCE) catalysts. Firstly, freeze-drying precursors to obtain a submicrometric ceria powders support were calcined at a temperature as low as 400 degrees C. Then, the support was impregnated with a Co(II) acetate solution by incipient wetness impregnation, varying the loading of Co between 5 and 20 wt%, and calcined again at 400 degrees C. xCOCE samples were tested for the preferential oxidation of CO in a H-2-rich stream (CO-PROX). All samples showed catalytic activity and high selectivity towards CO2 at low reaction temperatures, being 15COCE the most active catalyst. Moreover, simulating a CO-PROX unit operation, the influence of the presence of CO2 and H2O in the feed was tested, showing a high activity and selectivity mainly to CO2. 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.