How bimetallic CoMo carbides and nitrides improve CO oxidation

CO elimination is an important step for the proper management of gaseous effluents from various processes, thus avoiding adverse impacts on the environment and human health. In this study, different bimetallic Al2O3-supported CoMo catalysts have been developed, characterized, and tested in the CO oxidation reaction, based on their respective oxides, carbides, and nitrides phases. The parent CoMo-oxide catalyst (CoMo) was prepared by impregnation and then transformed to its carburized (CoMoC) and nitrided (CoMoN) forms using temperature-programmed reaction methods under controlled atmospheres of CH4/H2 and NH3, respectively. The catalytic results demonstrate that the CoMoC catalyst exhibits higher activity compared to its CoMoN counterpart, and both are more active than the parent CoMo catalyst. Furthermore, the reduction temperature and space velocity were key process factors, which notably influenced activity and kinetic parameters, while the increase of reduction time does not seem to improve catalytic behavior. These results were associated with a better metal dispersion, and relatively higher reduction grade and metallic surface area on the carbides and nitrides, opening the possibility that new adsorption sites may be created. The catalytic results compare favorably with other non-noble metal catalysts, such as Cr-, Cu-, Fe-, and Ni-based samples, and highlight the potential of using carbides and nitrides as alternative formulations to enhance the performance of CO oxidation. [Display omitted] •Non-noble Al2O3-supported CoMo carbide and nitride tested as CO oxidation catalysts.•CoMo carbide and nitride catalysts had a better performance than the parent CoMo/Al2O3.•CoMoC and CoMoN yielded lower T50 and Ea than other non-noble CO oxidation catalysts.•More efficient active site formation attained by preparing CoMoC and CoMoN from CoMo.•Formation of oxy-nitrides and oxy-carbides seemingly enhances CO oxidation activity.