Supported CuO<i><sub>x</sub></i>-Pt Catalysts with High Activity and Thermal Stability for the Combustion of Ammonia

Ammonia (NH3) is a renewable and carbon-free energy source. However, it has a high ignition temperature and produces N2O and NO, which limit its use as a fuel. In this study, the combustion of NH3 over copper oxide (CuOx) and platinum (Pt) catalysts supported on aluminum silicate (3Al2O3·2SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and silicon oxide (SiO2) was compared to overcome these issues. The synthesis conditions for the preparation of impregnated binary catalysts were optimized to achieve high catalytic activity for facilitating NH3 combustion and high N2 selectivity (or low N2O/NO selectivity). Sequentially impregnated CuOx/Pt/Al2O3 exhibited higher catalytic activity, N2 selectivity, and thermal stability than binary catalysts.