Influence of synthesis parameters on the performance of CeO2–CuO and CeO2–ZrO2–CuO systems in the catalytic oxidation of CO in excess of hydrogen

Ce–Cu and Ce–Zr–Cu oxide systems with a flower-like morphology were prepared by slow co-precipitation in the absence of any structure directing agent. For the sake of comparison, Ce–Cu and Ce–Zr–Cu oxide samples were also prepared by a classic co-precipitation method. All the samples were calcined in air flow at 650 °C. The materials were characterized by SEM and TEM microscopy, quantitative X-ray diffraction, N2 physisorption, H2-TPR, O2-TPD and XPS. The catalytic activity of the prepared samples was evaluated in the preferential oxidation of CO in excess of H2 (CO-PROX), in the 40–190 °C temperature range.