The interaction of oxygen with isolated silver particles of ca. 70 nm supported on α-alumina. Part 2.—CO oxidation measurements

Abstract

The oxidation of carbon monoxide with molecular oxygen over a catalyst containing isolated silver particles of ca. 70 nm, supported on α-Al₂O₃ has been studied after various pretreatment. Both the extent of oxygen sorption and the activity were greatly affected by the pretreatment. A rise in activity was observed after reduction and consecutive cooling in hydrogen, whereas a drop followed an oxidizing treatment. A severe deactivation of the catalyst occurred after reduction at 673 K followed by cooling in nitrogen. The differences in activity due to the various pretreatments are discussed in terms of changes in the surface structure of the silver particles.