Removal of carbon monoxide from hydrogen-rich fuels by selective low-temperature oxidation over base metal added platinum catalysts

Various catalysts containing different catalytic materials, supports, and additives were tested for the preferential oxidation (PROX) of carbon monoxide from a hydrogen-rich gas stream. The results were analyzed based on three reactions involved in the PROX: oxidation of carbon monoxide, H2–O2 reaction, and methanation. The PROX reactions were performed in two reaction systems, one for catalyst screening and kinetic study and the other for simulation of the catalytic performance under real reaction conditions. The performances of PROX on different catalysts, varying active components, supports, and additives, were ranked in terms of carbon monoxide conversion and hydrogen consumption. Base metal added platinum catalysts exhibited excellent ability for the carbon monoxide removal. TPR results indicated that a new active species was formed resulting in the enhancement of catalytic activity. PtCo/Al2O3 was tested with a simulated steam-reformed fuel for confirmation of its high activity. The effect of operating conditions was analyzed on the PtCo/Al2O3, and the optimum conditions for PROX were obtained.