Understanding the activation mechanism induced by NOx on the performances of VOx/TiO2 based catalysts in the total oxidation of chlorinated VOCs

A previous investigation of the chlorobenzene combustion activity of VO_x/TiO₂, VO_x–WO_x/TiO₂ and VO_x–MoO_x/TiO₂ catalysts in the presence of NO pointed out the activation effect of NO. The suggested three-step mechanism based on catalytic performances data only was: (1) chlorobenzene is oxidized on the surface of the VO_x phase (as described by Mars–van Krevelen), (2) NO gets oxidized to NO₂, mainly on WO_x and MoO_x, and (3) the in situ produced NO₂ assists O₂ in the reoxidation of the VO_x phase thus speeding up the oxidation step of the Mars–van Krevelen mechanism. The latter effect macroscopically corresponds to the observed increase of chlorobenzene conversion. This contribution aims at validating this hypothetical mechanism by pointing out the favourable occurrence of an oxidation of NO to NO₂ on the WO_x and MoO_x phases and by pointing out the higher efficiency of NO₂ than O₂ to reoxidize the reduced VO_x sites. In addition, the present contribution clearly demonstrates that, in the absence of NO, the chlorobenzene total oxidation occurred following the Mars–van Krevelen mechanism. Moreover, a thorough characterization of the oxidation state of the vanadium proving that the improvement of the catalyst activity brought by the simultaneous presence of NO and O₂ is linked to the stronger reoxidation of the VO_x active phase. Furthermore, plotting all the catalytic activity data versus the mean vanadium oxidation level clearly depicts, for the first time, the strong dependence between them. Under a mean vanadium oxidation level of 4.82 the catalyst is inactive while above 4.87 the activity is stabilized at a high level of conversion independent of the vanadium oxidation level.     

Vanadium-containing catalysts for the selective oxidation of H2S to elemental sulfur in the presence of excess water

Various vanadium-containing catalysts were searched for the commercial application in the selective oxidation of H₂S to elemental sulfur at low temperatures (less than 250°C) in the presence of excess (more than 35 vol.%) water. In the test of binary oxides, it was found that TiVO_x was the only catalyst that could sustain its activity without deactivation at 230°C. The best catalytic activity (85–90% sulfur yield) was obtained when VO_x/TiO₂ was incorporated with other metals such as Fe, Cr and Mo. Reaction occurred via redox mechanism and the reoxidation of reduced vanadium was the rate-limiting step. A long-term deactivation observed during the reaction was due to slower reoxidation of reduced vanadium by oxygen than the reduction by H₂S. Catalytic activities of VO_x/SiO₂, VO_x/TiO₂ and V–Fe–Cr–Mo–O_x/TiO₂ were well correlated with their redox properties that were observed by TPR/TPO and XPS measurements.     

Preferential oxidation of CO over CuO/CeO2 and Pt-Co/Al2O3 catalysts in micro-channel reactors

Micro-channel plates with dimension of 1 mm × 0.3 mm × 48 mm were prepared by chemical etching of stainless steel plates followed by wash coating of CeO₂ and Al₂O₃ on the channels. After coating the support on the plate, Pt, Co, and Cu were added to the plate by incipient wetness method. Reaction experiments of a single reactor showed that the micro-channel reactor coated with CuO/CeO₂ catalyst was highly selective for CO oxidation while the one coated with Pt-Co/Al₂O₃ catalyst was highly active for CO oxidation. The 7-layered reactors coated with two different catalysts were prepared by laser welding and the performances of each reactor were tested in large scale of PROX conditions. The multi-layered reactor coated with Pt-Co/Al₂O₃ catalyst was highly active for PROX and the outlet concentration of CO gradually increased with the O₂/CO ratio due to the oxidation of H₂ which maintained the reactor temperature. The multi-layered reactor coated with CuO/CeO₂ showed lower catalytic activity than that coated with Pt catalyst, but its selectivity was not changed with the increase of O₂/CO ratios due to the high selectivity. In order to combine advantages (high activity and high selectivity) of the two individual catalysts (Pt-Co/Al₂O₃, CuO/CeO₂), a serial reactor was prepared by connecting the two multi-layered micro-channel reactors with different catalysts. The prepared serial reactor exhibited excellent performance for PROX.     

Development of vanadium-based mixed oxide catalysts for selective oxidation of H2S to sulfur

Various vanadium-based binary and multi-metallic oxides were prepared and their catalytic activities for the selective oxidation of H₂S to elemental sulfur were tested. Because the deactivation of vanadium-based catalysts originated from a relatively slow rate of reoxidation of the reduced vanadium oxide [PhD thesis, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 2000], the focus was given to increase the redox ability, especially in the reoxidation step. Stable and improved activity was observed in BiVO_x, TiVO_x, and ZrV₂O₇ at 250°C, but TiVO_x was the only catalyst that could maintain its activity below 250°C. Much higher activity was observed when VO_x/TiO₂ became multi-metallic by the incorporation of Fe, Cr, and Mo. TPR–TPO, microbalance, and XPS techniques were used to explain the redox properties of VO_x/SiO₂, VO_x/TiO₂, and V-Fe-Cr-Mo-O_x/TiO₂ catalysts in the reoxidation step.     

Catalytic activation of ceramic filter elements for combined particle separation, NOx removal and VOC total oxidation

The development of a catalytically active filter element for combined particle separation and NO_x removal or VOC total oxidation, respectively, is presented. For NO_x removal by selective catalytic reduction (SCR) a catalytic coating based on a TiO₂–V₂O₅–WO₃ catalyst system was developed on a ceramic filter element. Different TiO₂ sols of tailor-made mean particle size between 40 and 190 nm were prepared by the sol–gel process and used for the impregnation of filter element cylinders by the incipient wetness technique. The obtained TiO₂-impregnated sintered filter element cylinders exhibit BET surface areas in the range between 0.5 and 1.3 m²/g. Selected TiO₂-impregnated filter element cylinders of high BET surface area were catalytically activated by impregnation with a V₂O₅ and WO₃ precursor solution. The obtained catalytic filter element cylinders show high SCR activity leading to 96% NO conversion at 300 °C, a filtration velocity of 2 cm/s and an NO inlet concentration of 500 vol.-ppm. The corresponding differential pressures fulfill the requirements for typical hot gas filtration applications. For VOC total oxidation, a TiO₂-impregnated filter element support was catalytically activated with a Pt/V₂O₅ system. Complete oxidation of propene with 100% selectivity to CO₂ was achieved at 300 °C, a filtration velocity of 2 cm/s and a propene inlet concentration of 300 vol.-ppm.     

Selective oxidation of propylene to acrolein over supported V2O5/Nb2O5 catalysts: An in situ Raman, IR, TPSR and kinetic study

The vapor-phase selective oxidation of propylene (H₂CCHCH₃) to acrolein (H₂CCHCHO) was investigated over supported V₂O₅/Nb₂O₅ catalysts. The catalysts were synthesized by incipient wetness impregnation of V-isopropoxide/isopropanol solutions and calcination at 450 °C. The catalytic active vanadia component was shown by in situ Raman spectroscopy to be 100% dispersed as surface VO_x species on the Nb₂O₅ support in the sub-monolayer region (<8.4 V/nm²). Surface allyl species (H₂CCHCH_2*) were observed with in situ FT-IR to be the most abundant reaction intermediates. The acrolein formation kinetics and selectivity were strongly dependent on the surface VO_x coverage. Two surface VO_x sites were found to participate in the selective oxidation of propylene to acrolein. The reaction kinetics followed a Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism with first-order in propylene and half-order in O₂ partial pressures. C₃H₆-TPSR spectroscopy studies also revealed that the lattice oxygen from the catalyst was not capable of selectively oxidizing propylene to acrolein and that the presence of gas phase molecular O₂ was critical for maintaining the surface VO_x species in the fully oxidized state. The catalytic active site for this selective oxidation reaction involves the bridging VONb support bond.     

Catalysts for chlorinated VOCs abatement: Multiple effects of water on the activity of VOx based catalysts for the combustion of chlorobenzene

The influence of H₂O on the performances of VO_x/TiO₂, VO_x-WO_x/TiO₂ and VO_x-MoO_x/TiO₂ catalysts is investigated in the combustion of chlorobenzene. H₂O proves to influence in opposite manners the chlorobenzene conversion depending on its concentration and on the kind of catalysts. The overall influence of water is the sum of three effects, two negative: (1) the reduction of the vanadium phase dictated by its reducibility, itself influenced by the presence of WO_x or MoO_x, (2) the decrease of the number of strong Brönsted acid sites involved in the adsorption of the chlorobenzene and one positive (3) the retrieval of chlorine species from the surface through the production of HCl.     

Fischer–Tropsch synthesis over Co–SiO2 catalysts prepared by the sol–gel method

Fischer–Tropsch synthesis was carried out in slurry phase over uniformly dispersed Co–SiO₂ catalysts prepared by the sol–gel method. When 0.01–1 wt.% of noble metals were added to the Co–SiO₂ catalysts, a high and stable catalytic activity was obtained over 60 h of the reaction at 503 K and 1 MPa. The addition of noble metals increased the reducibility of surface Co on the catalysts, without changing the particle size of Co metal significantly. High dispersion of metallic Co species stabilized on SiO₂ was responsible for stable activity. The uniform pore size of the catalysts was enlarged by varying the preparation conditions and by adding organic compounds such as N,N-dimethylformamide and formamide. Increased pore size resulted in decrease in CO conversion and selectivity for CO₂, a byproduct, and an increase in the olefin/paraffin ratio of the products. By modifying the surface of wide pore silica with Co–SiO₂ prepared by the sol–gel method, a bimodal pore structured catalyst was prepared. The bimodal catalyst showed high catalytic performance with reducing the amount of the expensive sol–gel Co–SiO₂.     

TiO2 optical coating layers for self-cleaning applications

TiO₂ films deposited by various coating techniques were investigated for self-cleaning applications. The optical coating layers of TiO₂ films prepared from a sol–gel precursor were deposited on glass substrates using spin coating, dip coating and screen printing techniques. Effects of film deposition techniques on crystal structure, microstructure, thickness, photocatalytic activity, hydrophilicity and optical properties of the films were investigated using XRD, AFM, SEM, surface profilometer, UV–vis spectrophotometer and contact angle measurement. Dip coating the TiO₂ optical film two and three times resulted in superhydrophilic surfaces. Increasing number of dipping times was found to increase the photocatalytic activity.     

Oxidative dehydrogenation of propane over differently structured vanadia-based catalysts in the presence of O2 and N2O

The effect of the nature and distribution of VO_x species over amorphous and well-ordered (MCM-41) SiO₂ as well as over γ-Al₂O₃ on their performance in the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane with O₂ and N₂O was studied using in situ UV–vis, ex situ XRD and H₂-TPR analysis in combination with steady-state catalytic tests. As compared to the alumina support, differently structured SiO₂ supports stabilise highly dispersed surface VO_x species at higher vanadium loading. These species are more selective over the latter materials than over V/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts. This finding was explained by the difference in acidic properties of silica- and alumina-based supports. C₃H₆ selectivity over V/γ-Al₂O₃ materials is improved by covering the support fully with well-dispersed VO_x species. Additionally, C₃H₆ selectivity over all materials studied can be tuned by using an alternative oxidising agent (N₂O). The improving effect of N₂O on C₃H₆ selectivity is related to the lower ability of N₂O for catalyst reoxidation resulting in an increase in the degree of catalyst reduction, i.e. spatial separation of active lattice oxygen in surface VO_x species. Such separation favours selective oxidation over CO_x formation.     

SO2 resistant antimony promoted V2O5/TiO2 catalyst for NH3-SCR of NOx at low temperatures

To get the low temperature sulfur resistant V₂O₅/TiO₂ catalysts quantum chemical calculation study was carried out. After selecting suitable promoters (Se, Sb, Cu, S, B, Bi, Pb and P), respective metal promoted V₂O₅/TiO₂ catalysts were prepared by impregnation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Brunner Emmett Teller surface area (BET-SA). Se, Sb, Cu, S promoted V₂O₅/TiO₂ catalysts showed high catalytic activity for NH₃ selective catalytic reduction (NH₃-SCR) of NO_x carried at temperatures between 150 and 400 °C. The conversion efficiency followed in the order of Se > Sb > S > V₂O₅/TiO₂ > Cu but Se was excluded because of its high vapor pressure. An optimal 2 wt% ‘Sb’ loading was found over V₂O₅/TiO₂ for maximum NO_x conversion, which also showed high resistance to SO₂ in presence of water when compared to other metal promoters. In situ electrical conductivity measurement was carried out for Sb(2%)/V₂O₅/TiO₂ and compared with commercial W(10%)V₂O₅/TiO₂ catalyst. High electrical conductivity difference (ΔG) for Sb(2%)/V₂O₅/TiO₂ catalyst with temperature was observed. SO₂ deactivation experiments were carried out for Sb(2%)/V₂O₅/TiO₂ and W(10%)/V₂O₅/TiO₂ at a temperature of 230 °C for 90 h, resulted Sb(2%)/V₂O₅/TiO₂ was efficient catalyst. BET-SA, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur (CHNS) elemental analysis of spent catalysts well proved the presence of high ammonium sulfate salts over W(10%)/V₂O₅/TiO₂ than Sb(2%)/V₂O₅/TiO₂ catalyst.     

Improvement of catalytic activity and sulfur-resistance of Ag/TiO2–Al2O3 for NO reduction with propene under lean burn conditions

Ag-based catalysts supported on various metal oxides, Al₂O₃, TiO₂, and TiO₂–Al₂O₃, were prepared by the sol–gel method. The effect of SO₂ on catalytic activity was investigated for NO reduction with propene under lean burn condition. The results showed the catalytic activities were greatly enhanced on Ag/TiO₂–Al₂O₃ in comparison to Ag/Al₂O₃ and Ag/TiO₂, especially in the low temperature region. Application of different characterization techniques revealed that the activity enhancement was correlated with the properties of the support material. Silver was highly dispersed over the amorphous system of TiO₂–Al₂O₃. NO₃⁻ rather than NO₂⁻ or NOx reacted with the carboxylate species to form CN or NCO. NO₂ was the predominant desorption species in the temperature programmed desorption (TPD) of NO on Ag/TiO₂–Al₂O₃. More amount of formate (HCOO⁻) and CN were generated on the Ag/TiO₂–Al₂O₃ catalyst than the Ag/Al₂O₃ catalyst, due to an increased number of Lewis acid sites. Sulfate species, resulted from SO₂ oxidation, played dual roles on catalytic activity. On aged samples, the slow decomposition of accumulated sulfate species on catalyst surface led to poor NO conversion due to the blockage of these species on active sites. On the other hand, catalytic activity was greatly enhanced in the low temperature region because of the enhanced intensity of Lewis acid site caused by the adsorbed sulfate species. The rate of sulfate accumulation on the Ag/TiO₂–Al₂O₃ system was relatively slow. As a consequence, the system showed superior capability for selective adsorption of NO and SO₂ toleration to the Ag/Al₂O₃ catalyst.     

Structure–reactivity relationships in VOx/TiO2 catalysts for the oxyhydrative scission of 1-butene and n-butane to acetic acid as examined by in situ-spectroscopic methods and catalytic tests

Different VO_x/TiO₂ catalyst have been catalytically tested and studied by in situ-spectroscopic methods (FT-IR, UV/vis, EPR) in the oxyhydrative scission (OHS) of 1-butene and n-butane to acetic acid (AcOH). While 1-butene OHS follows the sequence butene → butoxide → ketone → AcOH/acetate with a multitude of side products also formed, n-butane OHS leads to AcOH, CO_x and H₂O only. Water vapour in the feed improves AcOH selectivity by blocking adsorption sites for acetate. The admixture of Sb₂O₃ was found to improve AcOH selectivity which is due to deeper V reduction under steady state conditions and lowering of surface acidity. VO_x/TiO₂ catalysts with sulfate-containing anatase are the most effective ones. Covalently bonded sulfate at the catalyst surface causes specific bonding of VO_x, stabilizes active V species and ensures their high dispersity.     

Preparation and characterization of LaFe1−xMgxO3/Al2O3/FeCrAl: Catalytic properties in methane combustion

MnO_x–CeO₂ mixed oxides prepared by sol–gel method, coprecipitation method and modified coprecipitation method were investigated for the complete oxidation of formaldehyde. Structure analysis by H₂-TPR and XPS revealed that there were more Mn⁴⁺ species and richer lattice oxygen on the surface of the catalyst prepared by the modified coprecipitation method than those of the catalysts prepared by sol–gel and coprecipitation methods, resulting in much higher catalytic activity toward complete oxidation of formaldehyde. The effect of calcination temperature on the structural features and catalytic behavior of the MnO_x–CeO₂ mixed oxides prepared by the modified coprecipitation was further examined, and the catalyst calcined at 773 K showed 100% formaldehyde conversion at a temperature as low as 373 K. For the samples calcined below 773 K, no any diffraction peak corresponding to manganese oxides could be detected by XRD measurement due to the formation of MnO_x–CeO₂ solid solution. While the diffraction peaks corresponding to MnO₂ phase in the samples calcined above 773 K were clearly observed, indicating the occurrence of phase segregation between MnO₂ and CeO₂. Accordingly, it was supposed that the strong interaction between MnO_x and CeO₂, which depends on the preparation route and the calcination temperature, played a crucial role in determining the catalytic activity toward the complete oxidation of formaldehyde.     

Enhanced high-potential and elevated-temperature cycling stability of LiMn2O4 cathode by TiO2 modification for Li-ion battery

The surface of spinel LiMn₂O₄ was modified with TiO₂ by a simple sol–gel method to improve its electrochemical performance at elevated temperatures and higher working potentials. Compared with pristine LiMn₂O₄, surface-modification improved the cycling stability of the material. The capacity retention of TiO₂-modified LiMn₂O₄ was more than 85% after 60 cycles at high potential cycles between 3.0 and 4.8 V at room temperature and near to 90% after 30 cycles at elevated temperature of 55 °C at 1C charge–discharge rate. SEM studies shows that the surface morphology of TiO₂-modified LiMn₂O₄ was different from that of pristine LiMn₂O₄. Powder X-ray diffraction indicated that spinel was the only detected phase in TiO₂-modified LiMn₂O₄. Introduction of Ti into LiMn₂O₄ changed the electronic structures of the particle surface. Therefore a surface solid compound of LiTi_xMn_2−xO₄ may be formed on LiMn₂O₄. The improved electrochemical performance of surface-modified LiMn₂O₄ was attributed to the improved stability of crystalline structure and the higher Li⁺ conductivity.     

Engineering the electronic and geometric structure of VOx/BN@TiO2 heterostructure for efficient aerobic oxidative desulfurization

Particle size governs the electronic and geometric structure of metal nanoparticles (NPs), shaping their catalytic performances in heterogeneous catalysis. However, precisely controlling the size of active metal NPs and thereafter their catalytic activities remain an affordable challenge in ultra-deep oxidative desulfurization (ODS) field. Herein, a series of highly-efficient VO_x/boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS)@TiO₂ heterostructures, therein, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide cationic surfactants serving as intercalation agent, BNNS and MXene as precursors, with various VO_x NP sizes were designed and controllably constructed by a facile intercalation confinement strategy. The properties and structures of the prepared catalysts were systematically characterized by different technical methods, and their catalytic activities were investigated for aerobic ODS of dibenzothiophene (DBT). The results show that the size of VO_x NPs and V⁵⁺/V⁴⁺ play decisive roles in the catalytic aerobic ODS of VO_x/BNNS@TiO₂ catalysts and that VO_x/BNNS@TiO₂-2 exhibits the highest ODS activity with 93.7% DBT conversion within 60 min under the reaction temperature of 130 °C and oxygen flow rate of 200 mL·min^–1, which is due to its optimal VO_x dispersion, excellent reducibility and abundant active species. Therefore, the finding here may contribute to the fundamental understanding of structure-activity in ultra-deep ODS and inspire the advancement of highly-efficient catalyst.     

Catalytic and photocatalytic ozonation of phenol on MnO2 supported catalysts

Different series of manganese-supported catalysts containing 10 wt.% of manganese, as oxide, on TiO₂ have been prepared by the sol–gel method and by the traditional method based on the impregnation of the support with the metal precursor on commercial and sol–gel supports. The samples were characterized by measuring the specific area (S_BET), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), electrophoretic migration (IP) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The catalytic and photocatalytic activity was measured in a batch reactor using ozone as the oxidizing agent. The catalytic behavior, expressed as constant rate, in absence of irradiation did not show significant changes for the manganese-supported catalysts. The only exception was the cogelated Mn/TiO₂ catalyst, which showed higher degradation activity, the main product being benzoquinone. On the other hand, all the irradiated systems showed an increase in the phenol degradation, being CO₂ and small organic acids the final product.     

Factors controlling the selectivity of V2O5 supported catalysts in the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane

The surface properties of a series of V₂O₅ catalysts supported on different oxides (Al₂O₃, H–Na/Y zeolite, MgO, SiO₂, TiO₂ and ZrO₂) were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy augmented by CO and NH₃ adsorption. In the case of the V₂O₅/SiO₂ system TEM images evidenced the presence of V₂O₅ crystallites, whereas such segregated phase was not observed for the other samples. VO_x species resulted widely spread on the surface of Al₂O₃, H–Na/Y zeolite, MgO and SiO₂, whereas on TiO₂ and ZrO₂ they are assembled in a layer covering almost completely the support. Furthermore, evidences for the presence in this layer of V–OH Brønsted acid sites close to the active centres were found. It is proposed that propene molecules primarily produced by oxydehydrogenation of propane can be adsorbed on this acid centres and then undergo an overoxidation by reaction with redox centres in the neighbourhood. This features could account for the low selectivity of V₂O₅/TiO₂ and V₂O₅/ZrO₂ catalysts.     

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.     

Sub-monolayer V2O5–anatase TiO2 and Eurocat catalysts: IR, Raman and XPS characterisation of VOx dispersion

VO_x–TiO₂ catalysts with vanadium loading less than that of a monolayer have been prepared either by impregnation in aqueous media from solutions of V(V) or V(IV) at different concentrations and pH, or by grafting in anhydrous media on anatase supports with surface areas of 10, 150 and 350 m² g⁻¹. Their characterisation by XPS, DRIFT and Raman spectroscopy, compared to that of EUROCAT EL10V1 and V8 reference catalysts, shows that the dispersion of the load depends on the mode of preparation and is not necessarily equal to 1.