Important properties associated with catalytic performance over three-dimensionally ordered macroporous CeO2–CuO catalysts

Abstract Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous CeO 2 –CuO catalysts were prepared by the template and sol–gel method. The catalysts were characterized via SEM, TEM, XRD, H 2 -TPR, XPS, CO 2 -TPD and N 2 adsorption–desorption techniques. It is found that the CeO 2 –CuO catalysts present the well-defined interconnected macroporous structure in three dimensions, and the skeleton of macroporous structure is composed of the CuO and CeO 2 particles. Catalytic performance for preferential CO oxidation is determined by various properties including composition, structural and textural properties as well as reduction and desorption behavior. The 3DOM CeO 2 –CuO structure improves the interaction between CuO and CeO 2 , the structural and textural properties, the reduction of oxides and desorption of the adsorbed molecules on the active sites.