# An Approach to the Optimization of Ba-Mn-Cu Perovskites as Catalysts for CO Oxidation: The Role of Cerium

## TL;DR

This study explores how adding cerium improves the performance of copper-based perovskite catalysts for CO oxidation in car exhaust systems.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the development of a bimetallic Cu-Ce formulation that enhances catalytic performance and CO2 tolerance.

## Key findings

- The Cu(2 wt%)Ce(2 wt%)/Ba0.7MnO3 formulation shows excellent CO conversion at low temperatures.
- Cerium increases the proportion of reduced copper species on the surface, improving redox properties.
- The bimetallic catalyst exhibits higher tolerance to CO2 compared to the monometallic Cu sample.

## Abstract

Two copper-containing perovskites Ba0.8Mn0.7Cu0.3O3 and Cu(4 wt%)/Ba0.7MnO3 (selected from previous studies) were tested as catalysts for the CO oxidation reaction under conditions similar to the found in the exhaust of last-generation automotive internal combustion engines. The Cu(4 wt%)/Ba0.7MnO3 sample has been selected due to its higher tolerance to CO2. In order to optimize the performance of this sample for the reaction under study, a Cu(2 wt%)Ce(2 wt%)/Ba0.7MnO3 formulation was synthesized, characterized and tested. The excellent catalytic performance of the bimetallic formulation, in terms of CO conversion at low temperatures and tolerance to CO2, is because cerium improves the redox properties and increases the proportion of reduced copper species on the surface compared to the Cu(4 wt%)/Ba0.7MnO3 sample.