In situ and Operando Characterisation in the Preferential Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide over Base Metal Oxide Catalysts: A Review

Abstract

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are the core technology of the steadily growing hydrogen (H2) economy as they can convert chemical energy, in the form of H2, to electrical energy. If the H2 is derived from (green) hydrocarbons, via steam reforming and the water‐gas‐shift reaction, then it would contain small amounts of carbon monoxide (CO, 0.5 – 2%), among other gases. CO poisons the platinum‐based anode catalyst in the PEMFC, and the current recommendation is to decrease its concentration to below 0.01% (or 100 ppm) in the H2‐rich PEMFC feed. The preferential oxidation of CO (CO‐PrOx) is a promising strategy for decreasing the CO concentration, and base metal oxide catalysts have shown great potential in this regard. However, such catalysts tend to undergo physicochemical changes that cause undesirable catalytic activity and selectivity changes. This review discusses the different base metal oxide catalysts that have been evaluated in CO‐PrOx, while paying special attention to the various in situ and operando techniques that have been used to monitor the physicochemical changes of such catalysts during operation. We conclude the review by highlighting the recent and possible future attempts of circumventing the undesired physicochemical changes of base metal oxides during CO‐PrOx.