The influence of promoters (Zr, La, Tb, Pr) on the catalytic performance of CuO-CeO2 systems for the preferential oxidation of CO in the presence of CO2 and H2O

CuO supported on CeO2 and Ce0.9X0.1O2, where Xis Zr, La, Tb or Pr, were synthesized using nitrate precursors, giving rise ceria based materials with a small particle size which interact with CuO species generating a high amount of interfacial sites. The incorporation of cations to the ceria framework modifies the CeO2 lattice parameter, improving the redox behavior of the catalytic system. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry RFS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectroscopy, thermoprogrammed reduction with H-2 (H-2-TPR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The catalysts were tested in the preferential oxidation of CO under a H-2-rich stream (CO-PROX), reaching conversion values higher than 95% between 115 and 140 degrees C and being the catalyst with 6 wt.% of Cu supported on Ce0.9Zr0.1O2 ( sample 6CUZRCE) the most active catalyst. The influence of the presence of CO2 and H2O was also studied simulating a PROX unit, taking place a decrease of the catalytic activity due to the inhibitor effect both CO2 and H2O. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.