Copper Atoms Stabilized on Reduced Titanium Oxides Catalyze Carbon Monoxide Oxidation

Copper catalysts haven been extensively studied as robust and efficient heterogeneous catalysts. We demonstrated that copper atoms stabilized on reduced titanium oxides are highly active and stable in CO oxidation. TiO₂ supports were pretreated with hydrogen under different temperatures. Copper was introduced through solid state reaction. A strong interaction between copper (II) and titanium (III) was identified through H₂-TPR and CO-TPR. The existence of copper (I) was attributed to the enhanced reaction rate and improved stability.