Process for preparing zirconia and at least one noble metal-containing catalyst composition and method for oxidizing carbon monoxide with the composition

摘要

A composition of matter comprising zirconia and Pt and/or Pd is prepared by a process comprising one step of treating Pt- and/or Pd- impregnated zirconia with a reducing gas, in particular free hydrogen, at a temperature of about 100-600 C. Another composition of matter comprising zirconia and Pt and/or Pd is prepared by a process comprising the steps of impregnating a porous ceramic material (preferably a monolith) with a Zr compound, substantially decomposing the Zr compound to ZrO.sub.2, impregnating with Pt and/or Pd, drying/calcining, and reducing with a reducing gas, in particular free hydrogen, at a temperature of about 0-400 C. Both compositions of matter are used as catalysts in a process for oxidizing CO to CO.sub.2, e.g. in a CO. sub.2 laser. Preferably, at least one iron compound is present as copromoter in these compositions of matter.