Effect of precipitation variables on the performance of CeO2-based catalysts for waste-to-hydrogen

Waste-to-hydrogen technology, a future net-zero energy mix as a clean hydrogen source, is currently a research hotspot. To upcycle waste to high-value chemicals such as hydrogen, it is necessary to study customized catalysts for water-gas shift (WGS) reactions considering waste-derived synthesis gas. Herein, we aimed to enhance the physicochemical properties of CeO2 supported Pt catalysts by controlling the precipitation variables to develop a highly sulfur-tolerant WGS catalyst using waste-derived synthesis gas. The CeO2 support was prepared by the classic precipitation method. During precipitation, the precipitating agent was injected at different methods and rates. In the case of the normal titration method, the KOH solution was injected into the Ce precursor dissolved solution at rates of 5, 20, and 50 mL/min. In the case of the reverse titration method, the Ce precursor dissolved solution was injected into the KOH solution at rates of 5, 20, and 50 mL/min. The as-prepared Pt/CeO2 catalysts were applied to the WGS reaction with 500 ppm H2S. This work demonstrated that the titration method and titration rate affected the oxygen vacancy concentration and the active metal dispersion of the catalysts, respectively. And these properties worked in combination to determine the sulfur resistance of the catalysts. Subsequently, the high sulfur tolerance and catalytic performance of Pt/CeO2 catalyst prepared by normal titration method with the titration rate of 50 mL/min were due to the high Pt dispersion and concentration of oxygen vacancies. [Display omitted] ●Pt/CeO2 catalysts with different precipitation variables for WGS were studied.●Titration methods (normal, reverse) are related to oxygen vacancy concentration.●Titration rates (5, 20, 50 mL/min) affect the Pt0 dispersion of the catalysts.●Pt/CeO2 (N50) exhibited the best catalytic performance and sulfur resistance.●Oxygen vacancies and Pt dispersion have a complex effect on the sulfur resistance.