A Novel Post‐Synthesis Modification of CuO‐CeO2 Catalysts: Effect on Their Activity for Selective CO Oxidation

Abstract

AbstractCopper oxide nanoparticles were dispersed onto the surface of ceria nanorods, while a post‐synthesis modification was applied to the reference sample using ammonia solutions. The modified catalysts were characterized with a variety of analytical techniques, providing useful information on the effect of the Cu:NH3 ratio, employed in the modification step, on the physicochemical properties. Re‐dispersion of the active copper species under extremely basic conditions promoted the reducibility and the oxygen mobility of the catalyst, thus resulting in a more active and selective catalyst for preferential CO oxidation.