EFFECT OF PLATINUM ON SUPPORTED COPPER-CATALYSTS FOR CARBON-MONOXIDE REMOVAL

Platinum may act as a promotor of copper catalysts for carbon monoxide oxidation. On a catalyst prepared by separate impregnation of 0.3 wt.-% platinum prior to 8 wt.-% copper on an alumina support, and subsequent calcination at 500 degrees C for 7 h under a reducing atmosphere, this synergistic effect was observed. This effect was due to the formation of an alloy of platinum and copper, which augmented the activity of copper active sites, and induced an alteration of the electronic effect of the catalysts.