Alumina supported Au/Y-doped ceria catalysts for pure hydrogen production via PROX

Abstract Gold catalysts on Y-doped ceria dispersed on high surface area γ-Al 2 O 3 were synthesized and tested in preferential CO oxidation in hydrogen rich stream (PROX). The effect of ceria loading (10, 20 or 30 wt%) was studied. The gold catalyst with the lowest ceria amount exhibited the highest PROX activity. The addition of Y 2 O 3 (1 wt%) led to improved performance. The most favorable effect was observed in the sample with 20 wt% ceria amount. This gold catalyst showed good PROX activity and stability in the presence of CO 2 and water. Catalysts characterization by XRD, HRTEM/HAADF, XPS and H 2 -TPR was used to elucidate the relationship between the chemical composition, state of gold, support features and catalytic properties.