Preferential oxidation of CO (CO-PROX) over CuOₓ/CeO₂ coated microchannel reactor

• Published in: Catalysis today 2012-01, Vol.180 (1), p.105-110
• Main Authors: Laguna, O.H, Ngassa, E.M, Oraá, S, Álvarez, A, Domínguez, M.I, Romero-Sarria, F, Arzamendi, G, Gandía, L.M, Centeno, M.A, Odriozola, J.A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: active sites; adsorption; catalytic activity; manufacturing; oxidation; temperature
• ISSN: 0920-5861; 1873-4308
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2011.03.024

The general aspects of the synthesis and characterization results of a CuOₓ/CeO₂ catalyst were presented. In addition the principal steps for manufacturing a microchannel reactor and for the coating of the CuOₓ/CeO₂ catalyst onto the microchannels walls, were also summarized. The catalytic activity of this microchannel reactor during the preferential oxidation of CO (CO-PROX) was evaluated employing a feed-stream that simulates a reformate off-gas after the WGS unit. Two activation atmospheres were studied (H₂/N₂ and O₂/N₂). The reducing pretreatment improved the resistance to deactivation by formation of carbonaceous species over the catalyst surface at high temperatures. The presence of H₂O and CO₂ in the feed-stream was also analyzed indicating that the adsorption of CO₂ inhibited the conversion of CO at lower temperatures because these compounds modified the active sites through the formation of carbonaceous species on the catalyst surface. Finally, the experimental results of the microreactor performance were compared with CFD simulations that were carried out using a kinetic for the CuOₓ/CeO₂ powder catalyst. The experimental results were reasonably well described by the model, thus confirming its validity.