DRIFTS-MS studies of preferential oxidation of CO in H2 rich stream over (CuO)0.7(CeO2)0.3 and (Cu0.9M0.1O)0.7(CeO2)0.3 (M = Co, Zn and Sn) catalysts

A series of catalysts based on combinations between copper and cerium oxides, in which the former has been modified by doping with Co, Zn and Sn, have been prepared by a microemulsion method and characterized by XRD and SBET measurements. Their catalytic activity as well as details of redox processes taking place during the course of the reaction has been examined by means of operando-DRIFTS-MS under CO-PROX conditions. The results reveal differences in the characteristics of carbonyl species formed through a reductive process during the course of the reaction which are employed to rationalize catalytic properties of the systems.