Role of the Interface in Base‐Metal Ceria‐Based Catalysts for Hydrogen Purification and Production Processes

The role of the interface in Cu,Ni‐CeO 2 catalysts used for novel hydrogen purification and production processes (preferential oxidation of CO, water–gas shift reactions, and the reforming of bio‐alcohols) is analyzed with an emphasis on the description of the physico‐chemical properties of the interface that have a critical influence on the catalytic properties. The direct contact between the base metal and ceria, as well as a contact mediated by alien species, are studied. Critical appraisal of the results indicates that specific base‐metal and ceria interaction situations control the redox response to the gas‐phase atmosphere. Together with specific base‐metal structural effects, these properties seem particularly important in controlling the interaction with CO and H 2 O as well as with carboxy/carboxylate moieties, and therefore, are important to drive the activity, selectivity, and stability for the mentioned catalytic processes.