Flame synthesis of copper-based catalysts for CO-PROX
This project investigates the effect of metal oxide support on the activity and selectivity of copper-based catalysts for the selective oxidation of carbon monoxide in hydrogen gas streams (CO-PROX) at low temperatures. The catalysts were prepared by Flame Spray Pyrolysis.
Major achievements
Copper loaded ceria (Cu-CeO2) was the best performer of the metal oxide supports tested. The material was characterised in detail and the active sites modelled using Density Functional Theory to give previously unreported insights into the nature and role of the CO-PROX active sites of the material.
The findings were recently published as a frontpiece in Advanced Functional Materials.
Future plans and directions
- To publish temperature programmed findings elucidating the mechanism of CO and H2 oxidation by active sites on the Cu-CeO2 catalyst.
- To publish results comparing activity of ceria supported material with other metal oxides (Al2O3, ZrO2, TiO2, SiO2).
- To investigate performance of this catalyst for oxidising acetaldehyde in the gas phase.
