Construction of CuCoCe ternary catalyst via a porous organic polymer template approach for efficient CO-PROX with wide operating temperature window

Preferential CO oxidation (CO-PROX) is a promising approach for removing trace CO from hydrogen-rich streams, effectively preventing Pt anode poisoning in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). To effectively eliminate CO within the PEMFC operating temperature range, catalysts must exhibit high CO conversion and O2 2 selectivity. Expanding the operating temperature window of these catalysts is crucial. This study presents the synthesis of a CuCoCe ternary catalyst (CuCo/Ce-P) using an imidazole-functionalized porous organic polymer as a sacrificial template. Compared to the CuCoCe ternary catalyst prepared without a template (CuCo/Ce), CuCo/Ce-P exhibits significantly enhanced catalytic activity, with a T 50 reduction from 85 degrees C to 55 degrees C and an expanded operating temperature window of approximately 40 degree celsius. Characterization results indicate that the imidazole-functionalized porous organic polymer facilitates improved dispersion of active species by anchoring metal ions through electron-rich groups, enhances intermetallic interactions, promotes electron transfer, and significantly improves the oxygen-deficient capacity of the CuCoCe ternary catalyst. Consequently, the catalyst exhibits a greater number of active interfaces, leading to enhanced catalytic activity and a wider operating temperature window.