CuCe-SBA-15 catalysts for CO preferential oxidation under H2-rich streams

TISCORNIA I; LACOSTE A; GOMEZ L; BOIX A

Rio de Janeiro

Congreso; 18 International Zeolite Conference; 2016

The hydrogen used as a fuel in the PEMFC system is commonly generated from the reforming of alcohols or hydrocarbons. Before entering the cell, the CO concentration in the hydrogen-rich stream must be less than 10 ppm in order not to deteriorate the cell anode. Several methods have been used to purify hydrogen; among these alternatives, the CO preferential oxidation with O2 is an effective option. A variety of catalyst formulations have been tested, e.g. supported noble metals (Pt, Au) and transition metal oxides. The copper?ceria system is the most active and selective catalyst so far reported in the literature. On the other hand, mesoporous materials have shown to be an interesting support; particularly, SBA-15 is a combined micro- and mesoporous material with hexagonally ordered uniform mesopores. The incorporation of oxides in the SBA-15 would imply an improvement in the dispersion of this active phase. In addition, it is generally admitted that structured catalysts are necessary in this type of reactions for practical applications.  In this work, CuO-CeO2 nanoparticles in SBA-15 catalysts were prepared and studied for the COPrOx reaction. The effect of the Cu/Ce ratio and the impregnation ways on the catalytic behavior was analyzed. Then, selected catalysts were coated onto cordierite monoliths to be used in the catalytic reaction.