Catalytic activity of Pt–Au/CeO2 catalyst for the preferential oxidation of CO in H2-rich stream

We have investigated the relationship between the catalyst preparation and the catalytic activity of Pt–Au/CeO2, Pt/CeO2 and Au/CeO2 catalysts for preferential oxidation (PROX) of CO in simulated reformed gas. The prepared catalysts were characterized by XRD, XRF, BET, SEM, TEM and TPR techniques. The catalytic activity tests were carried out in the temperature range of 50–190 °C under atmospheric pressure. The results indicated that all single-step sol–gel catalysts exhibited the maximum CO conversion. The amount of metal loading and the ratios of Pt–Au catalysts had an important effect on the catalytic activity. In addition, the blockage of catalytic active sites by adsorbed H2O and CO2 in the feed stream decreased the activity of the Pt–Au/CeO2 catalysts. This catalyst exhibited good stability.