Facile preparation of hierarchical CuO–CeO2/Ni metal foam composite for preferential oxidation of CO in hydrogen-rich gas

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Vol. 251; pp. 228 - 235
• Main Authors: Peng, Po-Yang, Jin, Inge, Yang, Thomas C.-K., Huang, Chao-Ming
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.09.2014
• Subjects: CuO–CeO2; Nickel metal foam; Preferential oxidation; Nickel metal foam; Preferential oxidation; CuO–CeO2
• ISSN: 1385-8947; 1873-3212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2014.04.077

[Display omitted] •CuO–CeO2/Ni MF composite were prepared using nickel foams with Cu–Ce hydrosols.•CO-PROX activity of CuO–CeO2/Ni MF is superior to those of CuO/Ni MF and CeO2/Ni MF.•Ratio of Ce to Cu markedly influenced the activity of the CuO–CeO2/Ni MF composite.•Surface area, dispersion of CuO, and 3D MF are responsible for activity in CO-PROX. A series of CuO–CeO2/Ni metal foam (MF) composite catalysts with hierarchical structures were prepared using macroporous nickel foams with copper–cerium hydrosols. The catalytic performance of the CuO–CeO2/Ni MF composite was found to be superior to those of CuO/Ni MF and CeO2/Ni MF in terms of the preferential oxidation of CO in excess hydrogen. The molar ratio of Ce to Cu markedly influenced the activity of the CuO–CeO2/Ni MF composite. At a weight hourly space velocity of 90,000h−1, CuO–CeO2/Ni MF prepared at a Ce/Cu molar ratio of 10 (CuCe110/Ni MF) had the lowest complete CO conversion temperature (130°C), which was 30°C lower than that of CuCe110 powder. Moreover, an O2 conversion value of higher than 80% and a CO2 selectivity of about 70% were found for CuCe110/Ni MF at 130°C. The high activity and excellent stability of CuCe110/Ni MF catalyst can be ascribed to its high surface area, high dispersion of CuO, and interconnected three-dimensional reticular configuration of nickel metal support, which enhance the interaction between CuO and CeO2. This type of CuO–CeO2/Ni MF composite can potentially be used in compact micro-reactors for CO removal.