Multi-wall carbon nanotubes as support of copper–cerium composite for preferential oxidation of carbon monoxide

Abstract The Cu x O/MWCNTs, CeO 2 /MWCNTs and Cu x O-CeO 2 /MWCNTs catalysts were synthesized by a simple impregnation method, and characterized via X–ray diffraction, N 2 adsorption–desorption, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, H 2 temperature–programmed reduction and X–ray photoelectron spectra. The catalytic performance for preferential CO oxidation was carried out in the hydrogen-rich gasses. It is found that the hydrophilic functional groups of hydroxyl and carboxyl in the samples are favorable for the incorporation of Cu x O and CeO 2 into the tubes of the MWCNTs. Most of Cu x O particles and CeO 2 nanowires are filled in the tubes of MWCNTs, and a small amount of nanoparticles are deposited on the surface of MWCNTs. The MWCNTs have high BET surface area, which is helpful for the dispersion of Cu x O and CeO 2 to expose more active surface for CO-PROX reaction over the Cu x O-CeO 2 /MWCNTs catalysts. The Cu x O-CeO 2 /MWCNTs-C catalyst shows good catalytic activity and the temperature window of CO total conversion is from 135 °C to 175 °C. MWCNTs with high BET surface area weaken poisoning effect of H 2 O and CO 2 after 135 °C.