Effect of Co and Rh promoter on NOx storage and reduction over Pt/BaO/Al2O3 catalyst

Effect of cobalt and rhodium promoter on NO_x storage and reduction (NSR) kinetics was investigated over Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃. Kinetics of 2% cobalt loading over Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃ demonstrated highest NO_x uptake during lean cycle, while reduction efficiency during rich cycle appeared most poor. In contrast to this, rhodium showed suppressing effect of NO_x uptake during lean cycle and demonstrated an enhanced effect for the higher efficiency of NO_x reduction during rich cycle. DRIFT study for NO_x uptake and regeneration confirmed formation of surface BaNO_x from the band at 1300 cm⁻¹ and formation of bulk BaNO_x from the band at 1330 cm⁻¹.     

Combined XPS and TPR study of sulfur removal from a Pt/BaO/Al2O3 NO x storage reduction catalyst

Pt/Al₂O₃ and Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃ catalysts (1 wt% Pt, 10 wt%BaO) were sulfated under conditions simulating a real NSR catalyst operation. Comparative TPR and XPS studies of sulfur removal from Pt/Al₂O₃ and Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃ catalysts indicate that the sulfur removal from Al₂O₃ surface precedes reductive decomposition of BaSO₄ (250–400 °C). Barium sulfate decomposition started with further increase in desulfation temperature at the point of surface atomic ratio Ba:S = 1 (~450^o). Simultaneously, an intensive formation of sulfide species on the catalyst surface was observed. Thermodynamic analysis of the desulfation process allows us to hypothesize that barium sulfide formation may hinder sulfur removal under reducing conditions.     

Steam effect on NO x reduction over lean NO x trap Pt–BaO/Al2O3 model catalyst

The effect of steam on NO _x reduction over lean NO _x trap (LNT) Pt–Ba/Al₂O₃ and Pt/Al₂O₃ model catalysts was investigated with reaction protocols of rich steady-state followed by lean–rich cyclic operations using CO and C₃H₈ as reductants, respectively. Compared to dry atmosphere, steam promoted NO _x reduction; however, under rich conditions the primary reduction product was NH₃. The results of NO _x reduction and NH₃ selectivity versus temperature, combined with temperature programmed reduction of stored NO _x over Pt–BaO/Al₂O₃ suggest that steam causes NH₃ formation over Pt sites via reduction of NO _x by hydrogen that is generated via water gas shift for CO/steam, or via steam reforming for C₃H₈/steam. During the rich mode of lean–rich cyclic operation with lean–rich duration ratio of 60 /20 s, not only the feed NO, but also the stored NO _x contributed to NH₃ formation. The NH₃ formed under these conditions could be effectively trapped by a downstream bed of Co²⁺ exchanged Beta zeolite. When the cyclic operation was switched into lean mode at T < 450 °C, the trapped ammonia in turn participated in additional NO _x reduction, leading to improved NO _x storage efficiency.     

Sulfur deactivation and regeneration of Pt/BaO/Al2O3 and Pt/SrO/Al2O3 NO x storage catalysts

Transient experiments were performed to study sulfur deactivation and regeneration of Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃ and Pt/SrO/Al₂O₃ NO _x storage catalysts. It was found that the strontium-based catalysts are more easily regenerated than the barium-based catalysts and that a higher fraction of the NO _x storage sites are regenerated when H₂ is used in combination with CO₂ compared to H₂ only.     

NO x uptake mechanism on Pt/BaO/Al2O3 catalysts

The NO _x adsorption mechanism on Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃ catalysts was investigated by performing NO _x storage/reduction cycles, NO₂ adsorption and NO + O₂ adsorption on 2%Pt/(x)BaO/Al₂O₃ (x = 2, 8, and 20 wt%) catalysts. NO _x uptake profiles on 2%\Pt/20%BaO/Al₂O₃ at 523 K show complete uptake behavior for almost 5 min, and then the NO _x level starts gradually increasing with time and it reaches 75% of the inlet NO _x concentration after 30 min time-on-stream. Although this catalyst shows fairly high NO _x conversion at 523 K, only ~2.4 wt% out of 20 wt% BaO is converted to Ba(NO₃)₂. Adsorption studies by using NO₂ and NO + O₂ suggest two different NO _x adsorption mechanisms. The NO₂ uptake profile on 2%Pt/20%BaO/Al₂O₃ shows the absence of a complete NO _x uptake period at the beginning of adsorption and the overall NO _x uptake is controlled by the gas–solid equilibrium between NO₂ and BaO/Ba(NO₃)₂ phase. When we use NO + O₂, complete initial NO _x uptake occurs and the time it takes to convert ~4% of BaO to Ba(NO₃)₂ is independent of the NO concentration. These NO _x uptake characteristics suggest that the NO + O₂ reaction on the surface of Pt particles produces NO₂ that is subsequently transferred to the neighboring BaO phase by spill over. At the beginning of the NO _x uptake, this spill-over process is very fast and so it is able to provide complete NO _x storage. However, the NO _x uptake by this mechanism slows down as BaO in the vicinity of Pt particles are converted to Ba(NO₃)₂. The formation of Ba(NO₃)₂ around the Pt particles results in the development of a diffusion barrier for NO₂, and increases the probability of NO₂ desorption and consequently, the beginning of NO _x slip. As NO _x uptake by NO₂ spill-over mechanism slows down due to the diffusion barrier formation, the rate and extent of NO₂ uptake are determined by the diffusion rate of nitrate ions into the BaO bulk, which, in turn, is determined by the gas phase NO₂ concentration.     

Modeling of the NO x trap and experimental validation using ultra-fast NO x analyzers

The present paper employs and validates a NO _x trap model which attempts an optimum compromise between complexity and predictive accuracy. It is shown that using the same set of kinetic data, the model is able to predict the storage rates and the maximum storage amounts as function of temperature. Moreover, the model predicts with reasonable accuracy the NO breakthrough during rich-mode regeneration and the spontaneous/thermal NO₂ release when the temperature is increased in a saturated catalyst. The experimental findings highlight the importance of transient O₂ adsorption/desorption phenomena which are incorporated in the model. The use of ultra-fast responding NO/NO _x analyzers was necessary for the study and modeling of the transient operation following inlet composition switches.     

High Efficiency of Noble Metal and Metal Oxide Catalyst Systems for the Selective Reduction of NO with Propene in Lean Exhaust Gas

An investigation was conducted of noble metal and metal oxide catalysts deposited on Al₂O₃. The noble metals Pt, Pd, Rh the metal oxides CuO, SnO₂, CoO, Ag₂O, In₂O₃, catalysts were examined. Also investigated were noble metal Pt, Pd, Rh-doped In₂O₃/Al₂O₃ catalysts prepared by single sol–gel method. Both were studied for their capability to reduce NO by propene under lean conditions. In order to improve the catalytic activity and the temperature window, the intermediate addition propene between a Pt/Al₂O₃ oxidation and metal oxide combined catalyst system was also studied. Pt/Al₂O₃ and In₂O₃/Al₂O₃ combined catalyst showed high NO reduction activity in a wider temperature window, and more than 60% NO conversion was observed in the temperature range of 300–550 °C.     

Adsorbate-assisted NO decomposition in NO reduction by C3H6 over Pt/Al2O3 catalysts under lean-burn conditions

The rates and product selectivities of the C₃H₆-NO-O₂ and NO-H₂ reactions over a Pt/Al₂O₃ catalyst, and of the straight, NO decomposition reaction over the reduced catalyst have been compared at 240C. The rate of NO decomposition over the reduced catalyst is seven times greater than the rate of NO decomposition in the C₃H₆-NO-O₂ reaction. This is consistent with a mechanism in which NO decomposition occurs on Pt sites reduced by the hydrocarbon, provided only that at steady state in the lean NO _x reaction about 14% of the Pt sites are in the reduced form. However, the (extrapolated) rate of the NO-H₂ reaction at 240C is about 10⁴ times faster than the rate of the NO decomposition reaction thus raising the possibility that NO decomposition in the former reaction is assisted by H_ads. It is suggested that adsorbate-assisted NO decomposition in the C₃H₆-NO-O₂ reaction could be very important. This would mean that the proportion of reduced Pt sites required in the steady state would be extremely small. The NO decomposition and the NO-H₂ reactions produce no N₂O, unlike the C₃H₆-NO-O₂ reaction, suggesting that adsorbed NO is completely dissociated in the first two cases, but only partially dissociated in the latter case. It is possible that some of the associatively adsorbed NO present during the C₃H₆-NO-O₂ reaction may be adsorbed on oxidised Pt sites.     

Role of cobalt on γ-Al2O3 based NO x storage catalyst

Co/Pt/Ba/γ-Al₂O₃, Co/Ba/γ-Al₂O₃, Pt/Ba/γ-Al₂O₃, Co/Pt/γ-Al₂O₃, Ba/γ-Al₂O₃, Pt/γ-Al₂O₃, and Co/γ-Al₂O₃ type catalysts were prepared by a conventional impregnation method, and their NO _x storage capacities were evaluated by colorimetric assay. Co-containing catalysts had a higher NO _x storage capacity than that of Co-free counterparts. The role of each component, especially Co, for the catalysts prepared was investigated by using in-situ FTIR. The high NO _x storage for Co-containing catalysts including Co/Ba/γ-Al₂O₃ and Co/Pt/Ba/γ-Al₂O₃ is mainly due to the formation of Co₃O₄ on the catalyst surface identified by XAFS.     

Wire-mesh honeycomb catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3

Both flat and corrugated wire mesh sheets were coated with aluminum powder by using electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method. Controlled thermal sintering of coated samples yielded uniform porous aluminum layer with a thickness of 100 μm that was attached firmly on the wire meshes. Subsequent controlled calcination formed a finite thickness of Al₂O₃ layer on the outer surface of each deposited aluminum particles, which resulted in the formation of Al₂O₃/Al double-layered composite particles that were attached firmly on the wire surface to form a certain thickness of porous layer. A rectangular-shaped wire-mesh honeycomb (WMH) module with triangular-shaped channels was manufactured by packing alternately the flat sheet and corrugated sheet of the Al₂O₃/Al-coated wire meshes. This WMH was further coated with V₂O₅-MoO₃-WO₃ catalyst by wash-coating method to be applied for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH₃. With an optimized catalyst loading of 16 wt%, WMH catalyst module shows more than 90% NO conversion at 240 °C and almost complete NO conversion at temperatures higher than 300 °C at GHSV 5,000 h⁻¹. When compared with conventional ceramic honeycomb catalyst, WMH catalyst gives NO conversion higher by 20% due to reduced mass transfer resistance by the existence of three dimensional opening holes in WMH.     

The Effects of CO2 and H2O on the NO x Destruction Performance of a Model NO x Storage/Reduction Catalyst

The effects of CO₂ and H₂O on the NO _x storage and reduction characteristics of a Pt/Ba/Al₂O₃ catalyst were investigated. The presence of CO₂ and H₂O, individually or together, affect the performance and therefore the chemistry that occurs at the catalyst surface. The effects of CO₂ were observed in both the trapping and reduction phases of the experiments, whereas the effect of H₂O seems limited to the trapping phase. The data also indicate that multiple types of sorption sites (or mechanisms for sorption) exist on the catalyst. One mechanism is characterized by a rapid and complete uptake of NO _x . A second mechanism is characterized by a slower rate of NO _x uptake, but this mechanism is active for a longer time period. As the temperature is increased, the effect of H₂O decreases compared to that of CO₂. At the highest temperatures examined, the elimination of H₂O when CO₂ is present did not affect the performance.     

The reduction behavior of Mo/TiO2-Al2O3 catalyst

The effect of TiO₂ modified Al₂O₃ surface on the reducibility of MoO₃ has been studied by TPR and XPS. The results show that Mo⁶⁺ in Mo/TiO₂-Al₂O₃ can be reduced to much lower valency, especially at low Mo loading. The influence of the calcination temperature on the reduction of Mo⁶⁺ on Al₂O₃ and TiO₂-Al₂O₃ carriers is different. The data reveals that the reducibility of Mo⁶⁺ on Al₂O₃ slightly decreased, while that on TiO₂-Al₂O₃ increased when the calcination temperature was raised. It is suggested that the stronger tetrahedral site of the Al₂O₃ surface was first occupied by TiO₂ and main octahedral Mo⁶⁺ in polymeric species-; and a small crystalline MoO₃ formed on TiO₂-Al₂O₃, whereas the formation of tetrahedral Mo⁶⁺ species and Al₂(MoO₄)₃ phase was inhibited.     

Reactivity of Mg-Ba catalyst in NOx storage/reduction

A new catalyst for NO_x storage/reduction was prepared to improve the activity of Ba-Pt/γ-Al₂O₃ by replacing Ba with a mixture of Ba and Mg. The catalyst was prepared by impregnating 1 wt.% Pt and then the alkaline-earth metals (Mg, Ba) on commercial γ-Al₂O₃. The tests have been carried out in a wide temperature range (ca. 200–400 °C) in order to understand the role of the mixture of alkaline-earth metals as a function of temperature. The behaviour of the two catalysts was different and indicated a synergetic effect between Mg and Ba.     

Influence of homogeneous decane oxidation on the catalytic performance of lean NO x catalysts

Extensive homogeneous gasphase reactions were observed when decane was used as the hydrocarbon reductant for the selective reduction of NO _x . The catalytic performance of a SnO₂/CoO _x /Al₂O₃ catalyst was found to be strongly dependent on the extent of the homogeneous reaction in the precatalytic volume. The effect of the homogeneous reaction on the catalytic performance also depended on whether SO₂ was present in the feed. By filling the precatalytic volume with 25–35 mesh irregularly shaped quartz chips, gasphase reaction was suppressed significantly. This methodology was used to evaluate the inherent catalytic performance of SnO₂/CoO _x /Al₂O₃ and SnO₂/Al₂O₃ catalysts with decane as a reductant. It was found that in the absence of SO₂, SnO₂/Al₂O₃ was a better catalyst than SnO₂/CoO _x /Al₂O₃, but in the presence of 30 ppm of SO₂ the latter was a far better catalyst.     

The NO x reduction mechanism by H2 under near isothermal conditions over Pt–Ba/Al2O3 Lean NO x Trap systems

The study of the gas-phase NO reduction by H₂ and of the stability/reactivity of NO _x stored over Pt–Ba/Al₂O₃ Lean NO _x Trap systems allowed to propose the occurrence of a reduction process of the stored nitrates occurring via to a Pt-catalyzed surface reaction which does not involve, as a preliminary step, the thermal decomposition of the adsorbed NO _x species.     

The positive effect of hydrogen on the reaction of nitric oxide with carbon monoxide over platinum and rhodium catalysts

The effect of adding 330–4930 ppm hydrogen to a reaction mixture of NO and CO (2000 ppm each) over platinum and rhodium catalysts has been investigated at temperatures around 200–250°C. Hydrogen causes large increases in the conversion of NO and, surprisingly, also of CO. Oxygen atoms from the additional NO converted are eventually combined with CO to give CO₂ rather than react with hydrogen to form water. This reaction is described by CO + NO +3/2H₂ CO₂ + NH₃ and accounts for 50–100% of the CO₂ formed with Pt/Al₂O₃ and 20–50% with Rh/Al₂O₃. With the latter catalyst a substantial amount of NO converted produces nitrous oxide. Comparison with a known study of unsupported noble metals suggests that isocyanic acid (HNCO) might be an important intermediate in a reaction system with NO, CO and H₂ present.     

Synergic effect of Pd/γ-alumina and Cu/ZSM-5 on the performance of NO x storage reduction catalyst

NO _x reduction with a combination of catalysts, Pd catalyst, NO _x storage reduction (NSR) catalyst and Cu/ZSM-5 in turn, was investigated to elucidate for the high NO _x reduction activity of this catalyst combination under oxidative atmosphere with periodic deep rich operation. The catalytic activity was evaluated using the simulated exhaust gases with periodically fluctuation between oxidative and reductive atmospheres, and it was found that the NO _x reduction activity with this catalyst combination was apparently higher than that of the solely accumulation of these individual activities, which was caused by the additional synergic effect by this combination. The Pd catalyst upstream of the NSR catalyst improved NO _x storage ability by NO₂ formation under oxidative atmosphere. The stored NO _x was reduced to NH₃ on the NSR catalyst, and the generated NH₃ was adsorbed on Cu/ZSM-5 downstream of the NSR catalyst under the reductive atmosphere, and subsequently reacted with NO _x on the Cu/ZSM-5 under the oxidative atmosphere.     

A review of the effect of the addition of hydrogen in the selective catalytic reduction of NO x with hydrocarbons on silver catalysts

Research is progressing fast in the field of the hydrogen assisted hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction (HC-SCR) over Ag-based catalysts: this paper is a review of the work to date in this area. The addition of hydrogen to the HC-SCR reaction feed over Ag/Al₂O₃ results in a remarkable improvement in NO _x conversion using a variety of different hydrocarbon feeds. There is some debate concerning the role that hydrogen has to play in the reaction mechanism and its effect on the form of Ag present during the reaction. Many of the studies use in situ UV–Vis spectroscopy to monitor the form of Ag in the catalyst and appear to indicate that the addition of hydrogen promotes the formation of small Ag clusters which are highly reactive for NO _x conversion. However, some authors have expressed concern about the use of this technique for these materials and further work is required to address these issues before this technique can be used to give an accurate assessment of the state of Ag during the SCR reaction. A study using in situ EXAFS to probe the H₂ assisted octane-SCR reaction has shown that small Ag particles (containing on average 3 silver atoms) are formed during the SCR reaction but that the addition of H₂ to the feed does not result in any further change in the Ag particle size. This points to the direct involvement of H₂ in the reaction mechanism. Clearly the addition of hydrogen results in a large increase in the number and variety of adsorbed species on the surface of the catalyst during the reaction. Some authors have suggested that conversion of cyanide to isocyanate is the rate-determining step and that hydrogen promotes this conversion. Others have suggested that hydrogen reduces nitrates to more reactive nitrite species which can then activate the hydrocarbon; activation of the hydrocarbon to form acetates has been proposed as the key step. It is probable that all these promotional effects can take place and that it very much depends on the reaction temperature and feed conditions as to which one is most important.     

High performances of Pt-K/Al2O3 versus Pt-Ba/Al2O3 LNT catalysts in the simultaneous removal of NO x and soot

The potentiality of a Pt-K/Al₂O₃ catalyst in the simultaneous removal of particulate matter (soot) and NO _x is investigated in this work by means of Temperature Programmed Oxidation (TPO) experiments and Transient Response Method (TRM), and compared with Pt-Ba/Al₂O₃. The results point out the higher performances of K-based sample in the soot combustion as compared to the Ba-based catalyst, and similar behaviour in the NO _x -storage.