Method for preparing a catalyst for preferential oxidation to remove carbon monoxide from a hydrogen-rich gas, a process for preferential oxidation to remove carbon monoxide from hydrogen-rich gas and a method for operating a fuel cell system

A method for preparing a catalyst for preferential oxidation to remove carbon monoxide from a hydrogen-rich gas stream, comprising: forming an impregnated support material by impregnating a metal oxide or a mixture of metal oxides with a soluble rare earth metal compound or with a soluble mixture of rare earth metal compounds; drying the impregnated support material; and forming the catalyst by dispersing a precious metal or a mixture of precious metals on the impregnated support material. [0002] Further, a process for preferential oxidation to remove carbon monoxide from a hydrogen-rich gas stream, is disclosed, the process comprises: contacting the hydrogen-rich gas stream with a catalyst, manufactured according the method given above, under the condition of elevated temperature and pressure as compared to standard condition (20°C, 1 bar). [0003] Furthermore, a method for operating a fuel cell system is disclosed comprising a process for preferential oxidation to remove carbon monoxide from a hydrogen-rich gas stream being performed under the conditions as described above. This process is successively performed after a process combining steam reforming and water gas shift reaction of a gas stream containing initially a hydrocarbon or an oxygenate.