Support effects on Cu-Cr/Al2O3 catalysts for CO oxidation

Cu and Cu-Cr based catalysts were prepared on γ alumina support to study carbon monoxide oxidation activity and resistance to thermal and hydrothermal deactivation. The effect of modification of alumina with TiO2 or CeO2 on the overall performance of the catalyst was also investigated. In general, all the Cu catalysts were found to be more active than the corresponding Cu-Cr catalysts. Performance of the Cu and Cu-Cr catalysts prepared on various supports varies as Al2O3 Al2O3-TiO2 > Al2O3-CeO2. The pronounced improvement of ceria doped catalysts is due to its ability to store oxygen under transient conditions and also to impart stability for active components against thermal and hydrothermal deactivation.