Au–TiO2 catalysts stabilised by carbon nanofibres

The catalytic activity and stability in the water–gas shift reaction have been tested for Au-based catalysts prepared by deposition of Au from colloid solutions. The supports that have been used are TiO₂, TiO₂ supported on carbon nanofibres (CNF) and CNF. Thermal treatments of the samples show that the Au particle size depends on the support material and hence the interaction between the Au particles and the support. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopic (XAS) measurements during the water–gas shift reaction show no changes in the first Au–Au coordination number for the catalysts containing CNF. Furthermore, improved short-time stability is obtained compared to the AuTiO₂ catalysts. The improved stability is achieved by the CNF stabilising small TiO₂ particles and hence prevent subsequent sintering of the Au particles.     

The CO–H2 and CO–H2O reactions over TiO2 nanotubes filled with Pt metal nanoparticles

We have investigated the catalytic behavior of Pt encapsulated TiO₂ nanotubes for the water gas shift reaction as well as the hydrogenation of CO. Pt–TiO₂ nanotube catalysts were prepared by employing fine fiber shaped crystals of [Pt(NH₃)₄](HCO₃)₂ complex as a structure determining template material. The turnover frequencies (TOF) of these nanotube catalysts were more than one order of magnitude larger than conventional impregnation Pt/TiO₂ catalysts, and the selectivity for methanol in CO–H₂ reaction was extraordinary high compared to the impregnation catalysts. The XPS and XRD analyses of the nanotubes revealed characteristic electronic state of reduced TiO₂ (Ti³⁺ in rutile structure) with zerovalent Pt even after the calcination at 773 K. In WGS reaction, electron rich Ti³⁺ on the nanotube wall may play an important role to activate water molecules for the oxidation of CO. In CO–H₂ reaction, similar promotion effect of Ti³⁺ species may be operating for selective methanol formation by supplying active OH(a).     

Study on the supported Cu-based catalysts for the low-temperature water–gas shift reaction

This paper presents a study on the influence of support (Al₂O₃, MgO, SiO₂-Al₂O₃, SiO₂-MgO, β-zeolite, and CeO₂) of Cu-ZnO catalysts for the low-temperature water–gas shift reaction. Supported Cu-ZnO catalysts were prepared by the conventional impregnation method, followed by the H₂ reduction. The activity of Cu-ZnO catalysts for the water–gas shift (WGS) reaction was largely influenced by the kind of support; Cu-ZnO catalysts supported on Al₂O₃, MgO, and CeO₂ showed high activity, while those on SiO₂-Al₂O₃, SiO₂-MgO and β-zeolite showed less activity in the temperature range 423–523 K. XRD analysis demonstrated that the copper species were highly dispersed on the supports used in the present study, except for a MgO support. TPR results of a series of supported CuO-ZnO catalysts suggest that the reducibility of CuO is one of the important factors controlling the activity of the WGS reaction over the supported catalysts.     

The role of cationic Au and nonionic Au species in the low-temperature water–gas shift reaction on Au/CeO2 catalysts

The roles of cationic and nonionic Au species in the water–gas shift (WGS) reaction on Au/CeO₂ catalysts were studied by comparing the reaction behavior of a cyanide leached catalyst, after removal of the Au nanoparticles by cyanide leaching, with that of non-leached catalysts, following the technique introduced by Q. Fu et al. [Science 301 (2003) 935]. Using rate measurements as well as in situ spectroscopic and structure-sensitive techniques, we found that based on the Au mass balance, cyanide leaching removed all Au except for ionic Au³⁺ species, and that leaching resulted in a pronounced decay of the catalyst mass normalized activity to 1–25% of that of a non-leached catalyst. The extent of the activity loss strongly depended on the post-treatment of the leached catalyst. Both the catalyst treatment after leaching and, in particular, the WGS reaction resulted in considerable reformation of Au⁰ species by thermal decomposition of Au oxides (Au³⁺) and subsequent nucleation and growth of very small Au⁰ aggregates and metallic Au⁰ nanoparticles, as indicated by Au(4f) signals at 85.9 eV (Au³⁺), 84.0–84.6 eV (up-shifted signal of small Au⁰ aggregates), and 84.0 eV (metallic Au⁰). In this work, correlations between ionic and nonionic Au species and between total WGS activity and activity for the formation/decomposition of bidentate formate species are evaluated, and the role of the respective Au species in the WGS reaction on Au/CeO₂ catalysts is discussed.     

Sulfuric acid formation over ammonium sulfate loaded V2O5–WO3/TiO2 catalysts by DeNOx reaction with NOx

Operating the SCR DeNO_x reactor at temperatures below 200 °C results in a considerable saving in operating costs. Plant experience shows that on the catalysts in these second generation DeNO_x plants, even for flue gases with SO₂ concentration below 10 mg/m³, over 1–2 years operating time sizeable quantities of ammonium sulfates accumulate. Ammonium sulfates deposited on V₂O₅–WO₃/TiO₂ catalysts react with NO_x to nitrogen and sulfuric acid. Second-order rate constants of this reaction for temperatures of 170 °C have been derived. It could be shown that the sulfuric acid formed on the catalyst is displaced by water vapour and desorbs resulting in gas phase concentrations of up to 6.5 mg acid/m³ flue gas. Plant equipment downstream of the ammonium sulfate containing low temperature DeNO_x catalysts has to be protected against the corrosive action of the sulfuric acid in the flue gases leaving the DeNO_x reactor.     

Gold catalysts supported on mesoporous titania for low-temperature water–gas shift reaction

Mesoporous titania with high surface area and uniform pore size distribution was synthesized using surfactant templating method through a neutral [C₁₃(EO)₆–Ti(OC₃H₇)₄] assembly pathway. The different gold content (1–5 wt.%) was supported on the mesoporous titania by deposition–precipitation (DP) method. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, TEM, SEM, N₂ adsorption analysis and TPR. The catalytic activity of gold supported mesoporous titania was evaluated for the first time in water–gas shift reaction (WGSR). The influence of gold content and particle size on the catalytic performance was investigated. The catalytic activity was tested at a wide temperature range (140–300 °C) and at different space velocities and H₂O/CO ratios. It is clearly revealed that the mesoporous titania is of much interest as potential support for gold-based catalyst. The gold/mesoporous titania catalytic system is found to be effective catalyst for WGSR.     

Gold catalysts supported on mesoporous zirconia for low-temperature water–gas shift reaction

Mesoporous ZrO₂ with high surface area and uniform pore size distribution, synthesized by surfactant templating through a neutral [C₁₃(EO)₆–Zr(OC₃H₇)₄] assembly pathway, was used as a support of gold catalysts prepared by deposition–precipitation method. The supports and the catalysts were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, N₂ adsorption analysis, temperature programmed reduction and desorption. The catalytic activity of gold supported on mesoporous zirconia was evaluated in water–gas shift (WGS) reaction at wide temperature range (140–300 °C) and at different space velocities and H₂O/CO ratios. The catalytic behaviour and the reasons for а reversible deactivation of Au/mesoporous zirconia catalysts were studied. The influence of gold content and particle size on the catalytic performance was investigated. The WGS activity of the new Au/mesoporous zirconia catalyst was compared to the reference Au/TiO₂ type A (World Gold Council), revealing significantly higher catalytic activity of Au/mesoporous zirconia catalyst. It is found that the mesoporous zirconia is a very efficient support of gold-based catalyst for the WGS reaction.     

A study of the abatement of VOC over V2O5–WO3–TiO2 and alternative SCR catalysts

The conversion of C3 organic compounds (propane, propene, 1- and 2-propanol, allyl alcohol, propanal, acrolein, acetone and 1- and 2-chloropropane) in the presence of excess oxygen has been investigated over two V–W–TiO₂ commercial SCR catalysts differing in the V content and over Mn–TiO₂ alternative SCR catalysts. V–W–Ti catalysts show poor activity in the oxidation of hydrocarbons and oxygenates and give significant amounts of partial oxidation products. Moreover they give rise to CO in excess of CO₂. The sample higher in V is more active. Mn–TiO₂ is definitely more active in oxidation of hydrocarbons and oxygenates, and produces, at total conversion, CO₂ as the only detectable product.

V–W–Ti catalysts are very active in dehydrochlorination of the two 2-chloropropane isomers and retain the same oxidation activity also in the presence of HCl. On the contrary, Mn-based catalysts in the presence of chlorocarbons convert into dehydrochlorination catalysts but lose their catalytic activity in oxidation. V–W–Ti catalysts can be used in Cl-containing atmospheres while Mn–TiO₂ can be proposed for DeNO_x and VOC abatement in Cl-free atmospheres such as for diesel engine exhaust gas purification.     

Hydrodesulfurization activity of CoMo and NiMo supported on Al2O3–TiO2 for some model compounds and gas oils

Catalytic activities of Al₂O₃–TiO₂ supporting CoMo and NiMo sulfides (CoMoS and NiMoS) catalysts were examined in the transalkylation of isopropylbenzene and hydrogenation of naphthalene as well as the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of model sulfur compounds, conventional gas oil (GO), and light cycle oil (LCO). Al₂O₃–TiO₂ supporting catalysts exhibited higher activities for these reactions except for the HDS of the gas oil than a reference Al₂O₃ supporting catalyst, indicating the correlation of these activities. Generally, more content of TiO₂ promoted the activities. Inferior activity of the catalyst for HDS of the gas oil is ascribed to its inferior activity for HDS of dibenzothiophene (DBT) in gas oil as well as in model solvent decane, while the refractory 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) in gas oil as well as in decane was more desulfurized on the catalyst. Characteristic features of Al₂O₃–TiO₂ catalyst are discussed based on the paper results.     

Support effects in Pt/TiO2–ZrO2 catalysts for NO reduction with CH4

ZrO₂–TiO₂ mixed oxides, prepared using the sol–gel method, were used as supports for platinum catalysts. The effects of catalyst pre-reduction and surface acidity on the performance of Pt/ZT catalysts for the reduction of NO with CH₄ were studied. The diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transformed (DRIFT) spectra of CO adsorbed on the Pt/ZT catalysts, and also on the Pt/T and Pt/Z references, pre-reduced at 773 K in hydrogen, revealed that an SMSI state is developed in the Ti-rich oxide-supported platinum catalysts. However, no shift in the binding energy of Pt 4f_7/2 level for Pt/T and Pt deposited on Ti-rich support counterparts pre-reduced at 773 K was found by photoelectron spectroscopy. The DRIFT spectra of the catalysts under the NO+O₂ co-adsorption revealed the appearance of nitrite/nitrate species on the surface of the Zr-containing catalysts, which displayed acidic properties, but were almost absent in the Pt/T catalyst. The intensity of these bands reached a maximum for the Pt/ZT(1:1) catalyst, which in turn exhibited a larger specific area. In the absence of oxygen in the feed stream, the NO+CH₄ reaction showed DRIFT spectra assigned to surface isocyano species. Since the intensity of this band is higher for the Pt/ZT (9:1) catalyst, it seems that such species are developed at the Pt–support interface.     

Grain growth in TiO2-added ZnO–Bi2O3–CoO–MnO ceramics prepared by chemical processing

The effect of TiO₂ on the grain growth of the ZnO–Bi₂O₃–CoO–MnO ceramic system prepared by chemical coprecipitation, was studied between 1150 and 1300 °C in air. Bi₂O₃ melts during firing, and then TiO₂ dissolves into Bi₂O₃-rich liquid. TiO₂ initially reacts with Bi₂O₃ to form Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂. Above ≈1050 °C, Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ reacts with ZnO to form Zn₂TiO₄ spinel phase. The kinetic study of grain growth carried out using the expression Gⁿ–G_oⁿ=K_o·t·exp(−Q/RT) gave grain exponent (n) value as 6 and the apparent activation energy (Q) as 226.46 kJ/mol. 1.00 mol% TiO₂ addition increased the grain growth exponent value from 6 to 7 and apparent activation energy with 1.00 mol% TiO₂ addition was found to be 197.10 kJ/mol. The ZnO grain size gradually increases with increasing TiO₂ content. Addition of TiO₂ may increase the reactivity of the Bi₂O₃-rich liquid towards the ZnO grain, thus affecting the ZnO grain growth.     

负载型CuMnO_x/TiO_2催化剂催化燃烧甲苯

采用沉积-沉淀法制备CuMnO_x/TiO_2新型甲苯燃烧催化剂,考察焙烧温度、Cu与Mn物质的量比、Cu和Mn总负载量、空速及水蒸汽含量对催化甲苯燃烧性能的影响。研究表明,焙烧温度500℃和Cu与Mn物质的量比为1∶1时,催化剂活性最好,反应温度250℃时,甲苯去除率为100%;水蒸汽的出现明显降低了甲苯转化率。XRD和H2-TPR表征结果表明,CuMnO_x/TiO_2催化剂的主要活性相为铜锰尖晶石(Cu1.5Mn1.5O4),它的存在降低了CuMnO_x/TiO_2催化剂的还原温度,是催化活性优良的主要原因。     

Microwave dielectric ceramics in the system BaO–Li2O–Nd2O3–TiO2

Ceramics in the system BaO-Li₂O–Nd₂O₃–TiO₂ (BNT–LNT) were prepared by the mixed oxide route. Powders were mixed, milled, calcined and sintered at 1475°C for 4 h. Fired densities decreased steadily along the series from BNT to LNT. The microstructures of samples rich in BNT were dominated by small needle-like grains; the LNT samples comprised larger (6 μm) cubic grains. X-ray diffraction showed that there was a transition from orthorhombic BNT to cubic LNT; small amounts of LNT could be accommodated in BNT, but between 10–20% LNT there was the development of the second phase. Small additions of LNT led to a small increase in relative permittivity, but decreased the dielectric Q-value (from the maximum of 1819 at 4 GHz). As BNT and LNT exhibit negative and positive temperature dependencies of permittivity respectively, the addition of 10–20% LNT to BNT should yield samples with zero temperature dependence of _r Impedance spectroscopy showed that data could only be acquired at elevated temperatures for BNT rich samples (above 500°C), but at modest temperatures (less than 100°C) for the more conductive LNT.     

Evaluation of V2O5–WO3–TiO2 and alternative SCR catalysts in the abatement of VOCs

Two different commercial SCR catalysts belonging to the V₂O₅–WO₃–TiO₂ system, and different alternative catalysts based on Mn, Fe, Cr, Al and Ti oxides have been tested in the conversion of VOCs in excess oxygen in a temperature range typical of the SCR process (500–700 K). Propane, propene, isopropanol, acetone, 2-chloropropane and 1,2-dichlorobenzene have been fed with excess oxygen and helium. The industrial catalysts are poorly active in the conversion of propane, giving mainly rise to propene by oxy-dehydrogenation. The conversion of propene is higher with CO as the predominant product. In any case, the oxidation activity depends on the vanadium content of the catalyst. Isopropanol is mainly converted into acetone and propene, while acetone is burnt predominantly to CO. Mn- and Fe- containing systems are definitely more active in the conversion of hydrocarbons and oxygenates, giving rise almost exclusively to CO₂. 2-Chloropropane is selectively dehydrochlorinated to propene and HCl starting from 350 K, propene being later burnt to CO on the industrial V₂O₅–WO₃–TiO₂ catalysts, whose combustion activity is, apparently, not affected by chlorine. On the contrary, chlorine strongly affects the behavior of Mn-based catalysts, that are active in the dehydrochlorination of 2-chloropropane, but are simultaneously deactivated with respect to their combustion catalytic activity. The conversion of 1,2-dichlorobenzene gives rise to important amounts of heavy products in our experimental conditions with relatively high reactant concentration.     

The photocatalytic activity and stability of a nanosized TiO2 film prepared by carbon black modified method

Regard to the poor adsorbability of the fixing film photocatalyst, we prepared a new nanosized TiO₂ thin film modified by carbon black acting as the pore-forming agent and baked by a kind of new method. The film was characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, DRS and FT-IR techniques. The results showed that the prepared TiO₂ films were mainly anatase structure, containing a little rutile. Their mean sizes of crystal grains are about 20–30 nm. Comparing to the ordinary TiO₂ film, we found that both carbon black modification and new baking method could make the characteristics of films change, such as more pores, looser structure, smaller crystal grains and longer excitation wavelength. It should be owed to these advantaged characteristics that the photocatalytic activity of the new film was largely improved during the degradation of benzamide. Furthermore, it also had wonderful stability, keeping its activity for 4 months applied to degrade reactive brilliant red X-3B in the continuous flow reactor.     

甲醇和乙醇合成异丁醛La-V/TiO_2-SiO_2催化剂的制备及其催化性能

以V_2O_5为活性组分,通过对催化剂活性组分、载体结构和助剂等因素的研究,制备La-V/TiO_2-SiO_2催化剂,在n(甲醇)∶n(乙醇)=4∶1、空速1.5 h-1、氮气流量120 m L·min~(-1)、反应温度360℃和常压条件下,乙醇转化率84%,异丁醛选择性67%。     

Spectroscopic ellipsometry characterization of TiO2 thin films prepared by the sol–gel method

TiO₂ thin films were prepared on SiO₂/Si(100) substrates by the sol–gel process. XRD results indicate that the major phase of TiO₂ thin films is anatase. The surface morphology and cross-section are observed by FE-SEM. The surface of thin films is dense, free of cracks and flat. The average grain size is about 60–100 nm in diameter. The thickness of single layer TiO₂ thin films is about 60 nm, which increases with the concentration of solution. Ellipsometric angles ψ, Δ are investigated by spectroscopic ellipsometry. The optical constant and the thickness of TiO₂ thin films are fitted according to Cauchy dispersion model. The results reveal that the refractive index and the extinction coefficient of TiO₂ thin films in wavelength above 800 nm are about 2.09–2.20 and 0.026, respectively. The influences of processing conditions on the optical constants and thicknesses of TiO₂ thin films are also discussed.     

Oxidation of NO in gas phase by Au–TiO2 photocatalysts prepared by the sol–gel method

This work describes an innovative nanosemiconductor system, based on Au–TiO₂ for UV photo-assisted oxidation of nitrogen monoxide (NO). The synthesis of these materials was carried out by the sol–gel method. Titanium(IV) isopropoxide and HAuCl₄ were the precursors of the photocatalyst, which was prepared in acid conditions. The catalysts were characterized by the following techniques: BET, XRD, UV–vis and dark-field TEM. The evaluation of the photocatalytic activity was performed in situ using an FTIR spectrometer with high sensitivity and a UV spectrometer (365 nm) after 60 min at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. The NO + O₂ mixture concentration was 150 ppm. The photocatalytic conversion of nitrogen monoxide (NO) was studied by FTIR, which reached 85% in 60 min. The semiconductor type materials exhibited an enhanced photoactivity when compared with our reference TiO₂.     

TiO2-SiO2 and V2O5/TiO2-SiO2 catalyst: Physico-chemical characteristics and catalytic behavior in selective catalytic reduction of NO by NH3

TiO₂-SiO₂ with various compositions prepared by the coprecipitation method and vanadia loaded on TiO₂-SiO₂ were investigated with respect to their physico-chemical characteristics and catalytic behavior in SCR of NO by NH₃ and in the undesired oxidation of SO₂ to SO₃, using BET, XRD, XPS, NH₃-TPD, acidity measurement by the titration method and activity test. TiO₂-SiO₂, compared with pure TiO₂, exhibits a remarkably stronger acidity, a higher BET surface area, a lower crystallinity of anatase titania and results in allowing a good thermal stability and a higher vanadia dispersion on the support up to high loadings of 15 wt% V₂O₅. The SCR activity and N₂ selectivity are found to be more excellent over vanadia loaded on TiO₂-SiO₂ with 10–20 mol% of SiO₂ than over that on pure TiO₂, and this is considered to be associated with highly dispersed vanadia on the supports and large amounts of NH₃ adsorbed on the catalysts. With increasing SiO₂ content, the remarkable activity decrease in the oxidation of SO₂ to SO₃, favorable for industrial SCR catalysts, was also observed, strongly depending on the existence of vanadium species of the oxidation state close to V⁴⁺ on TiO₂-SiO₂, while V⁵⁺ exists on TiO₂, according to XPS. It is concluded that vanadia loaded on Ti-rich TiO₂-SiO₂ with low SiO₂ content is suitable as SCR catalysts for sulfur-containing exhaust gases due to showing not only the excellent de-NO_x activity but also the low SO₂ oxidation performance.     

载体对V_2O_5-MoO_3/TiO_2催化剂表面性质及其选择性催化还原脱硝性能的影响

采用比表面积分别为101.86 m2·g-1(A)、86.37 m2·g-1(B)和7.78(C)m2·g-1(C)的TiO_2载体,通过分步浸渍法制备V2O5-Mo O3/TiO_2(A,B,C)选择性催化还原脱硝催化剂。在空速为10 000 h-1和氨氮体积比1.0条件下,以TiO_2(A)与TiO_2(B)为载体制备的催化剂脱硝活性在反应温度窗口(350~450)℃超过90%,且具有良好的高温抗硫中毒性能和相对较小的氨气氧化率。而以TiO_2(C)为载体制备的脱硝催化剂活性温度窗口窄,在350℃时获得的最高脱硝活性仅为73%,且对NH3的氧化作用较强。利用X射线衍射、低温N2吸附-脱附、紫外-可见漫反射光谱、H2程序升温还原和NH3程序升温脱附等对载体和催化剂进行表征。结果表明,活性组分V2O5在载体TiO_2(A)上分散性良好,主要以孤立态钒氧物种形式存在,因此,以TiO_2(A)为载体制备的催化剂比表面积、氧化还原性和表面酸性等性能更优。