A local hydroxyl group-modified copper site directs the oxidation of carbon monoxide

Abstract

A washing step is employed to adjust the residual surface hydroxyl groups on the Cu–TiO₂ catalysts, which in turn influences the local environment of copper species. Hydroxyl groups control both copper dispersion and the Cu⁺/Cu²⁺ ratio. Notably, a higher [Cu⁺]/[OH⁻] ratio is associated with an enhanced reaction rate in CO conversion.