Oxygen-assisted water-gas-shift reaction for more efficient hydrogen production over ceria-supported bimetallic catalysts

CO conversion by water gas shift reaction is an important step for hydrogen production using synthesis gas related to gasification of coal and biomass and reforming of hydrocarbon, bio-oils, and alcohol fuels. A process concept called oxygen-assisted water gas shift (OWGS) reaction by which CO conversion could be enhanced significantly in one low-temperature step was proposed. A novel Cu-Pd/CeO₂ catalyst was developed that can reduce CO below these levels using the OWGS reaction at reduced temperatures. Supporting data from analytical characterization using XRD, TPR, CO chemisorption, and BET analysis were obtained. A systematic study using in-situ techniques was conducted to understand the mechanism of the reaction and the active species on the catalyst surface. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the 231st ACS National Meeting (Atlanta, GA 3/26-30/2006).