Characterization and catalytic activity of Cu–Co spinel thin films catalysts

The Cu–Co mixed oxide catalysts were prepared on a La2O3/ZrO2/SS support by thermal decomposition of nitrate precursors. The catalyst samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) and Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) surface area. The XPS data indicated the formation of some amount of CuO together with the Cu–Co spinel after annealing at 550 8C. The Cu–Co/ZrO2/SS thin film catalysts were tested for three-way catalytic performance and showed moderate activity.