Honeycomb supported Co3O4/CeO2 catalyst for CO/CH4 emissions abatement: effect of low Pd-Pt content on the catalytic activity

A structured Co3O4–CeO2 composite oxide, containing 30% by weight of Co3O4, has been prepared over a cordieritic honeycomb support. The bimetallic, Pd–Pt catalyst has been obtained by impregnation of the supported Co3O4–CeO2 with Pd and Pt precursors in order to obtain a total metal loading of 50 g/ft3. CO, CH4 combined oxidation tests were performed over the catalyzed monoliths in realistic conditions, namely GHSV = 100,000 h−1 and reaction feed close to emission from bi-fuel vehicles. The Pd–Pt un-promoted Co3O4–CeO2 is promising for cold-start application, showing massive CO conversion below 100 °C, in lean condition. A strong enhancement of the CH4 oxidation activity, between 400 and 600 °C, has been observed by addition to the Co3O4–CeO2 of a low amount of Pd–Pt metals.