Zr doping on CeO2 nanocube catalysts to enhance oxygen storage capacity for Water-Gas shift reaction

Abstract

Zr was doped on Co/CeO2 cubic catalysts to enhance oxygen storage capacity (OSC) in the water–gas shift (WGS) reaction using waste-derived synthesis gas. Zr concentrations (0, 0.22, 1.86, and 7.01 wt%) were changed systemically to see the effect of Zr on OSC. The analysis of the characteristics reveals that the newly synthesized catalysts demonstrate superior OSC compared to the CeO2 supported Co catalyst previously developed by our lab. The catalyst with the highest Zr content (7.01 wt%) demonstrated substantial carbon monoxide conversion after 50 h, highlighting the critical role of OSC in catalytic WGS stability. Conversely, a minimal Zr addition (0.22 wt%) resulted in the highest initial catalytic activity, which was attributed to an above-average Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area, Co dispersion, and relatively sufficient OSC. The findings emphasize that Zr doping considerably enhances the OSC of Co/CeO2 cubic catalysts, which is essentially linked to catalytic performance such as stability and activity. These insights confirm that precise Zr doping is a crucial strategy for modulating OSC, thereby enhancing the physicochemical properties of catalysts for improved efficiency in environmental and industrial applications, particularly in WGS reactions.