Supported CuO/Ce1−xZrxO2 catalysts for the preferential oxidation of CO in H2-rich gases

The catalytic properties of CuO supported on ceria or ceria-zirconia mixed oxides have been investigated in the preferential oxidation of CO in H2-rich gases. CuO/CeO2 shows very high activity towards the oxidation of CO with a light-off temperature of about 70°C. This catalyst is very selective for the oxidation of CO rather than of H2 in the low temperature region (70–120°C), while at higher temperatures, the oxidation of hydrogen begins, causing of a maximum of CO conversion to arise with increasing temperature.