Highly active nano-composite of cobalt–copper–manganese oxides for room temperature CO oxidation

The nano-composite metal oxides are emerging catalytic materials and can be utilized to remediate exhaust pollutants in an energy-efficient way. Thus, Co–Cu–Mn mixed oxide spinel was developed with a glycine combustion route for CO oxidation studies. The composites were characterized by XRD, TEM, N2-sorption, CO-TPD studies for understanding the structural, particle, and surface nature of the catalysts. The formation of the solid solution was confirmed of Mn in Co–Cu oxides. Furthermore, the high surface area and porosity of Co–Cu–10Mn showed high CO chemisorption and high activity as compared to other Mn composed Co–Cu catalysts. The catalyst composed of 10% of Mn achieved 100% conversion of CO at a low temperature, i.e., 38 °C. The superior catalytic property of Co–Cu–10Mn is attributed to the CuO species from the solid material that has a more excellent synergistic interaction with Co and Mn. These stronger interactions were creating a vacancy site for CO at room temperature. Also, the reaction stability for 6 h was tested without any loss in the catalytic performance.