Influence of Copper Powder Structure on the Catalytic Properties of Cerium Oxide

The influence of the structure of copper powder particles on the catalytic activity of the CeO₂/Cu catalyst was studied using the methods of X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, electron diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, as well as temperature-programmed reduction of CO (CO-TPR). Nanocomposites were obtained by mechanochemical synthesis using copper particles differing in size and morphology: micron-sized dendrites and nanoparticles. It was shown that the activity of the catalyst obtained from nanosized copper is two times higher, which is due to the presence of Cu_xO clusters located on the atomic steps of cerium oxide nanocrystals. This arrangement of clusters apparently prevents blocking of activating centers. Thus, the surface structure of cerium oxide particles formed when using nanosized copper powder is a key factor responsible for the catalytic activity.