Low temperature hydrogen purification from CO for fuel cell application over copper–ceria catalysts supported on different oxides

The CuO–CeO2–MeOx (Me = Zr, Ti, Mn, Al; x = 1.5–2) solids were tested in the preferential CO oxidation reaction in hydrogen-rich gas mixtures (PROX). We study an effect of a support (MeOx) the CO conversion and selectivity in the PROX reaction showing that monoclinic zirconia (m-zirconia) with low surface area is the most effective support. The optimal catalyst composition was determined by varying copper and ceria loadings over m-zirconia. XRD and XPS studies indicate that a good catalytic performance of m-zirconia supported copper–ceria catalysts may be attributed to the presence of dispersed Cu-containing species that interact with CeO2 and ZrO2.