Patent ID: 7491675
Filing Date: 2009-02-17
Classification: A24B,A24D,B01J

Abstract:
1. A method for making a nanocomposite copper-ceria catalyst, comprising: (i) combining ceria nanoparticles in an aqueous suspension with copper 2,4-pentanedionate to form a slurry; (ii) heating the slurry formed in step (i) under an inert gas atmosphere or an oxygen-argon atmosphere, at a temperature and for a time sufficient to cause decomposition of the copper 2,4-pentanedionate to form copper nanoparticles and/or copper oxide nanoparticles that are combined with the ceria nanoparticles; and (iii) optionally, subjecting the product formed in step (ii) to a heat treatment process under conditions effective to convert at least some of the copper nanoparticles to copper oxide nanoparticles; wherein the nanocomposite copper-ceria catalyst produced comprises copper oxide nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, or a mixture thereof combined with the ceria nanoparticles.