A Novel Post-Synthesis Modification of CuO-CeO2 Catalysts: Effect on Their Activity for Selective CO Oxidation

Copper oxide nanoparticles were dispersed onto the surface of ceria nanorods, while a post-synthesis modification was applied to the reference sample using ammonia solutions. The modified catalysts were characterized with a variety of analytical techniques, providing useful information on the effect of the Cu:NH3 ratio, employed in the modification step, on the physicochemical properties. Re-dispersion of the active copper species under extremely basic conditions promoted the reducibility and the oxygen mobility of the catalyst, thus resulting in a more active and selective catalyst for preferential CO oxidation.