Performance of copper–ceria catalysts for water gas shift reaction in medium temperature range

A series of copper–ceria catalysts with copper loading in the range of 20–90 at% Cu (=100 × Cu/(Cu + Ce)) were prepared by the method of coprecipitation, and their performance was tested for water gas shift (WGS) reaction in medium temperature condition (150–360 °C). Both fresh and used catalysts were characterized using XRD, H2-TPR and BET surface area measurements. After the first run, the catalysts stabilized in terms of activity and BET surface area. XRD results of used catalysts confirmed the formation of metallic Cu species during WGS reaction. The WGS activity of ceria catalysts increased with copper loading, and the synergy of copper and ceria was confirmed. Results showed 80 at% copper–ceria had the best performance. The catalysts showed stable activities at 360 °C.