Nano sheets, needles and grains-like CuO/γ-Al2O3 catalysts’ performance in carbon monoxide oxidation

Abstract

This research deals with preparation, characterization and shape dependent performance of copper oxide nanomaterials (CuO NMs) in simple carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation catalysis. Uniform and high purity rice grains-like, needle-like and sheet-like CuO NMs were achieved by adopting different experimental conditions. The shape selective CuO NMs were physically mixed and re-pelletized with γ-Al2O3 thus 1 wt% CuO/γ-Al2O3 catalyst was prepared. The catalysts exhibited good surface area (186–190 m2 g−1), crystallinity, thermal stability and metal dispersion. The performance of various shape CuO/γ-Al2O3 catalysts in CO oxidation catalysis showed that needle-like CuO NMs performed superior against grains-like or sheet like CuO NMs in the temperature region between 200 and 225 °C. The 100% CO2 formation was achieved at 325 and 400 °C in the dry and wet conditions. Also, in every process temperature, differences in the catalytic activity due to catalyst's shape could be noted significantly. It was observed that the catalyst morphology played main role in achieving efficient catalytic process.