Hydrodesulfurization over supported monometallic, bimetallic and promoted carbide and nitride catalysts

The preparation of alumina-supported β-Mo₂C, MoC_1−x (x≈0.5), γ-Mo₂N, Co–Mo₂C, Ni₂Mo₃N, Co₃Mo₃N and Co₃Mo₃C catalysts is described and their hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalytic properties are compared to conventional sulfide catalysts having similar metal loadings. Alumina-supported β-Mo₂C and γ-Mo₂N catalysts (Mo₂C/Al₂O₃ and Mo₂N/Al₂O₃, respectively) are significantly more active than sulfided MoO₃/Al₂O₃ catalysts, and X-ray diffraction, pulsed chemisorption and flow reactor studies of the Mo₂C/Al₂O₃ catalysts indicate that they exhibit strong resistance to deep sulfidation. A model is presented for the active surface of Mo₂C/Al₂O₃ and Mo₂N/Al₂O₃ catalysts in which a thin layer of sulfided Mo exposing a high density of sites forms at the surface of the alumina-supported β-Mo₂C and γ-Mo₂N particles under HDS conditions. Cobalt promoted catalysts, Co–Mo₂C/Al₂O₃, have been found to be substantially more active than conventional sulfided Co–MoO₃/Al₂O₃ catalysts, while requiring less Co to achieve optimal HDS activity than is observed for the sulfide catalysts. Alumina-supported bimetallic nitride and carbide catalysts (Ni₂Mo₃N/Al₂O₃, Co₃Mo₃N/Al₂O₃, Co₃Mo₃C/Al₂O₃), while significantly more active for thiophene HDS than unpromoted Mo nitride and carbide catalysts, are less active than conventional sulfided Ni–Mo and Co–Mo catalysts prepared from the same oxidic precursors.     

Electro-oxidation of dimethyl ether on Pt/C and PtMe/C catalysts in sulfuric acid

The electro-oxidation of dimethyl ether (DME) on PtMe/Cs (Me = Ru, Sn, Mo, Cr, Ni, Co, and W) and Pt/C electro-catalysts were investigated in an aqueous half-cell, and compared to the methanol oxidation. The addition of a second metal enhanced the tolerance of Pt to the poisonous species during the DME oxidation reaction (DOR). The PtRu/C electro-catalyst showed the best electro-catalytic activity and the highest tolerance to the poisonous species in the low over-potential range (<0.55 V, 50 °C) among the binary electro-catalysts and the Pt/C, but at the higher potential (>ca. 0.55 V, 50 °C), the Pt/C behaved better than PtRu/C. The apparent activation energy for the DOR decreased in the order: PtRu/C (57 kJ mol⁻¹) > Pt₃Sn/C (48 kJ mol⁻¹) ≈ Pt/C (46 kJ mol⁻¹). On the other hand, the activation energy for the MOR showed a different turn, decreased in the following order: Pt/C (43 kJ mol⁻¹) > Pt₃Sn/C (35 kJ mol⁻¹) ≈ PtRu/C (34 kJ mol⁻¹). The temperature dependence of the DOR was greater than that of the oxidation of methanol (MOR) on the PtRu/C.     

Thermodynamic studies on hydrogen adsorption on the zeolites Na-ZSM-5 and K-ZSM-5

Adsorption of dihydrogen onto the zeolites Na-ZSM-5 and K-ZSM-5 renders the fundamental H–H stretching mode infrared active. The corresponding infrared absorption bands were found at 4101 and 4112 cm⁻¹ for H₂/Na-ZSM-5 and H₂/K-ZSM-5, respectively. Thermodynamic characterization of the adsorbed state was carried out by means of variable-temperature infrared spectroscopy; simultaneously measuring integrated band intensity, temperature and equilibrium pressure of the gas phase. For the H₂/Na-ZSM-5 system, the standard adsorption enthalpy and entropy resulted to be ΔH° = −10.3 (±0.5) kJ mol⁻¹ and ΔS° = −121 (±10) J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹. For H₂/K-ZSM-5 corresponding values were −9.1 (±0.5) kJ mol⁻¹ and −124 (±10) J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹, respectively.     

Determination of relative acid strength and acid amount of solid acids by Ar adsorption

Relative acid strength and acid amount of solid acids (alumina, silica-alumina, sulfated zirconia, mordenite, ZSM-5, beta, Y, and reduced MoO₃) are determined by argon adsorption technique. To obtain the heat of Ar adsorption and saturated adsorption amount, the adsorption isotherm is analyzed using the theory reported by Cremer and Flügge. The obtained heats of Ar adsorption and saturated adsorption amounts of sulfated zirconia catalysts and proton-type zeolites correspond well with the activities of acid-catalyzed pentane isomerization of these catalysts. The heats of adsorption were −22 kJ mol⁻¹ for sulfated zirconia, and ca. −19 kJ mol⁻¹ for mordenite, ZSM-5, and beta. Molybdenum oxides reduced at 623 and 773 K show large heat of adsorption (−19.3 and −19.7 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively), and these are classified into the superacid.     

Kinetic studies of CH4 oxidation over Pt–NiO/δ-Al2O3 in a fluidised bed reactor

The oxidation of CH₄ over Pt–NiO/δ-Al₂O₃ has been studied in a fluidised bed reactor as part of a major project on an autothermal (combined oxidation–steam reforming) system for CH₄ conversion. The kinetic data were collected between 773 and 893 K and 101 kPa total pressure using CH₄ and O₂ compositions of 10–35% and 8–30%, respectively. Rate–temperature data were also obtained over alumina-supported monometallic catalysts, Pt and NiO. The bimetallic Pt–NiO system has a lower activation energy (80.8 kJ mol⁻¹) than either Pt (86.45 kJ mol⁻¹) and NiO (103.73 kJ mol⁻¹). The superior performance of the bimetallic catalyst was attributed to chemical synergy. The reaction rate over the Pt–NiO catalyst increased monotonically with CH₄ partial pressure but was inhibited by O₂. At low partial pressures (<30 kPa), H₂O has a detrimental effect on CH₄ conversion, whilst above 30 kPa, the rate increased dramatically with water content.     

Investigation of pyridine sorption in USY and Ce/USY zeolites by liquid phase microcalorimetry and thermogravimetry studies

USY (ultrastabilized Y) and Ce/USY (5 wt.% supported) zeolite acidities were characterized by microcalorimetric and adsorption studies of pyridine using liquid phase (Cal-Ad), thermogravimetry, and infrared analysis. The average adsorption enthalpies determined by microcalorimetry were −125.0 kJ mol⁻¹ for USY and −97.2 kJ mol⁻¹ for Ce/USY. A heterogeneous distribution of acid sites with heats of adsorption ranging from −134.0 (maximum heat value for USY) to −73.5 (minimum heat value for Ce/USY) kJ mol⁻¹ was found for both zeolites. A two-site model was best fitted by the Cal-Ad method for HUSY (n₁ = 0.1385 mmol g⁻¹ with ΔH₁ = −134.0 kJ mol⁻¹, and n₂ = 0.7365 mmol g⁻¹ with ΔH₂ = −101.5 kJ mol⁻¹) and Ce/HUSY (n₁ = 0.0615 mmol g⁻¹ with ΔH₁ = −117.6 kJ mol⁻¹, and n₂ = 0.7908 mmol g⁻¹ with ΔH₂ = −83.6 kJ mol⁻¹). DRIFTS measurements after pyridine adsorption showed that USY zeolite possesses only Brønsted acidity and that cerium impregnation leads to the appearance of Lewis sites. Based on these results, three families of acid strength were distinguished: (i) strong Brønsted sites (ΔH > −130 kJ mol⁻¹); (ii) Brønsted sites with intermediate strength (−100 < ΔH < −130); and (iii) weak Brønsted and Lewis sites (ΔH < −100). Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the strongest sites were able to retain pyridine up to 800 °C and that cerium incorporation leads to a more stable zeolite. A loss of strength was observed after impregnation. The total number of sites desorbed after gas adsorption (0.88 and 0.95 mmol for HUSY and Ce/HUSY, respectively) supports the Cal-Ad results (0.88 and 1.19 mmol for HUSY and Ce/HUSY, respectively) and indicates that not all Al sites are available to pyridine. The methodology used in this work for solid acid characterization (Cal-Ad) proved to be efficient in the evaluation of acid strength, total number and distribution of acid sites. XRPD, ICP-AES, ²⁷Al NMR, and FTIR were used for additional structural characterization.     

TPD and XRD studies of molybdenum nitride and its activity for hydrodenitrogenation of carbazole

The nitrided MoO₃ catalysts formed using two kinds of treatment with either NH₃ or He after nitriding were studied by temperature-programmed desorption and X-ray diffraction analyses. The catalysts were cooled to room temperature in either flowing NH₃ or He (NH or HE catalyst) after nitriding at 773, 973 and 1173 K with NH₃. The activities of the catalysts were determined during the hydrodenitrogenation of carbazole at 573 K and 10.1 MPa total pressure. MoO₂, γ-Mo₂N, and Mo metal were mainly formed in the NH catalysts nitrided at 773, 973 and 1173 K, respectively. Mo oxides and metals in the NH catalysts were nitrided to γ-Mo₂N and β-Mo₂N_0.78 with low crystallinity during TPD. The surface area of the NH and HE catalysts nitrided at 773 K increased to 66 and 59 m² g⁻¹ maximum from 1.1 m² g⁻¹ of fresh MoO₃, respectively, but decreased as the nitriding temperature increased to 973 K and 1173 K. The HE catalysts per surface area were more active than the NH catalysts for both the overall HDN reaction and hydrogenation, and the 1173 K-nitrided catalysts were highest. On the other hand, the NH catalysts were more active than the HE catalysts for C–N hydrogenolysis and the 973 K-nitrided catalyst showed a maximum activity for C–N hydrogenolysis.     

还原温度对Mo基催化剂物相及其加氢脱氧性能的影响

以碳纳米管(CNTs)为载体,通过控制催化剂合成的还原温度制备了一系列负载型Mo基催化剂。采用XRD、TEM、N₂物理吸附、XPS以及NH₃/H₂-TPD等技术对催化剂进行了表征,并研究了Mo基催化剂对硬脂酸催化加氢脱氧性能的影响。结果表明:随着还原温度的升高,催化剂表面的Mo物种逐渐被还原,还原过程为:MoO₃→MoO₂→Mo→Mo₂C。还原温度为450℃和550℃时,催化剂的活性相为MoO₂;还原温度为600℃时,催化剂的活性相为MoO₂/Mo/β-Mo₂C的混合相;还原温度为650℃和700℃时,催化剂的活性相全部转化为β-Mo₂C。与活性相MoO₂催化剂相比,β-Mo₂C催化剂具有更高的加氢脱氧活性。此外,还原温度为600℃的MoO₂/Mo/β-Mo₂C混合相催化剂因具有较大的比表面积、较多的酸中心数量和较强的H₂吸附能力,使得该催化剂在硬脂酸加氢脱氧反应中表现出最优越的催化活性。     

Alumina-supported cobalt-molybdenum catalyst for slurry phase Fischer–Tropsch synthesis

An evaluative investigation of the Fischer–Tropsch performance of two catalysts (20%Co/Al₂O₃ and 10%Co:10%Mo/Al₂O₃) has been carried out in a slurry reactor at 2 MPa and 220–260 °C. The addition of Mo to the Co-catalyst significantly increased the acid-site strength suggesting strong electron withdrawing character in the Co-Mo catalyst. Analysis of steady-state rate data however, indicates that the FT reaction proceeds via a similar mechanism on both catalysts (carbide mechanism with hydrogenation of surface precursors as the rate-determining step). Although chain growth, , on both catalysts were comparable (  0.6), stronger CH₂ adsorption on the Co-Mo catalyst and lower surface concentration of hydrogen adatoms as a result of increased acid-site strength was responsible for the lower individual hydrocarbons production rate compared to the Co catalyst. The activation energy, E, for Co (96.6 kJ mol⁻¹), is also smaller than the estimate for the Co-Mo catalyst (112 kJ mol⁻¹). Transient hydrocarbon rate profiles on each catalyst are indicative of first-order processes, however the associated surface time constants are higher for alkanes than alkenes on individual catalysts. Even so, for each homologous class, surface time constants for paraffins are greater for Co-Mo than Co, indicative that the adsorption of CH₂ species on the Co-Mo surface is stronger than on the monometallic Co catalyst.     

Acid and base characteristics of molybdenum carbide catalysts

The acid and base properties of a high surface area Mo₂C catalyst were characterized using the temperature programmed desorption of CO₂ and NH₃, the decomposition of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as a test reaction and monitoring changes in the associated rates and product selectivities on the addition of acid and base site poisons. The Mo₂C catalyst was prepared using the temperature programmed reaction method and passivated prior to exposure to air. Prior to carrying out the temperature programmed desorption experiments and reaction rate measurements, the Mo₂C catalyst was reduced in H₂ at 400 °C. Results obtained for the reduced Mo₂C catalyst were compared with those for MgO, HZSM-5 and 1% Pt/SiO₂ catalysts. The study provided evidence for the presence of both acid and base sites on Mo₂C. The base and acid sites on the Mo₂C catalyst were weaker than those on the MgO and HZSM-5 catalysts, respectively. The base and acid sites were likely created as a consequence of charge transfer from molybdenum to carbon.     

Effect of Re loading on the structure, activity and selectivity of Re/C catalysts in hydrodenitrogenation and hydrodesulphurisation of gas oil

A series of Re-containing catalysts supported on activated carbon, with Re loading between 0.74 and 11.44 wt.% Re₂O₇, was prepared by wet impregnation and tested in the simultaneous hydrodesulphurisation (HDS) and hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) of a commercial gas oil. Textural analysis, XRD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and surface acidity techniques were used for physicochemical characterisation of the catalysts. Increase in the Re concentration resulted in a rise in the HDS and HDN activity due to the formation of a monolayer structure of Re and the higher surface acidity. At Re concentrations >2.47 wt.% Re₂O₇ (0.076 Re atoms nm⁻²) the reduction in the catalytic activity was related to the loss in specific surface area (BET) due to reduction in the microporosity of the carbon support. The magnitude of the catalytic effect was different for HDS and HDN, and depended strongly on the Re content and reaction temperature. The apparent activation energies were about 116–156 kJ mol⁻¹ for HDS and 24–30 kJ mol⁻¹ for HDN. This led to a marked increase in the HDN/HDS selectivity with decreasing temperature (values >3 at 325 °C), due to the large differences in the apparent activation energies of HDS and HDN found for all catalysts. A gradual increase in the HDN/HDS selectivity with increased Re loading was also found and related to the observed increase of catalyst acidity. The results are compared with those obtained for a series of Re/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts.     

Catalytic hydrodechlorination of 1-chlorooctadecane, 9,10-dichlorostearic acid, and 12,14-dichlorodehydroabietic acid in supercritical carbon dioxide

Kinetic and thermodynamic analyses of catalytic hydrodechlorinations in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) were performed using 5% Pd supported on γ-Al₂O₃. The selected standard compounds used for the study represented chlorinated wood resins commonly found in pitch deposits; 1-chlorooctadecane (C₁₈-Cl), 9,10-dichlorostearic acid (Stearic-Cl₂), and 12,14-dichlorodehydroabietic acid (DHA-Cl₂). The reaction utilized isopropanol as a hydrogen donor. Pressure, temperature, and the concentrations of isopropanol and palladium were varied to study the effect of each parameter and to optimize the dechlorination yield. The reaction in SC-CO₂ was compared to the one in liquid solvents at atmospheric pressure. By applying a Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic model, the rate-determining step of the reaction was deduced to be adsorption of the chlorinated molecules on the palladium surface. The apparent activation energies of the reactions for C₁₈-Cl, Stearic-Cl₂, DHA-Cl₂ were 43±5, 40±7, and 135±7 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively, in SC-CO₂. The relatively high activation energy for DHA-Cl₂ was apparently due to structural differences from the other two compounds. The apparent activation energy of dechlorination of C₁₈-Cl in liquid isopropanol at atmospheric pressure was determined to be 35±3 kJ mol⁻¹, leading to the conclusion that the rate-determining step is the same for this compound in both fluid systems. The enthalpies of desorption of stearic acid and dehydroabietic acid were determined to be 18±2 and 12±2 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. These values being less than half of the apparent activation energies of dechlorination of their corresponding chlorinated compounds indicates that desorption of the dechlorinated products is not the rate-determining step of the reaction. This was consistent with the conclusion that the rate-determining step is adsorption, on the understanding that the reaction mechanism is same in both fluid systems.     

Structural studies of reaction products between paramolybdate anion and some cationic [metal(II) and (III)-(ethylenediamine)n] complexes utilized as new photocatalysts under UV–VIS light illumination

Five cationic transition metal (ethylenediamine) complexes (M=Cr(III), Co(III), Ni(II), and Cu(II)):paramolybdate anion (Mo₇O₂₄⁶⁻) have been synthesis and characterized via their elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility (μ_eff), thermal analysis (TG and DTA), FTIR spectra, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The FTIR study suggests that the compounds prepared be of the ion-pair type ([M(en)_n]_m·Mo₇O₂₄). Thermal study showed that molybdenum in the Cr(III), and Co(III) compounds is reduced from oxidation state (VI) to (V) at high temperature. The stoichiometries of the resulting mixed oxides at elevated temperatures (500–750°C) are: Cr₂O₃·7MoO_2.5, Co₂O₃·7MoO_2.5, 6CoOCl·7MoO_2.5, 3NiO·7MoO₃ and 3CuO·7MoO₃. Above 750°C the molybdenum oxide in the ion-pair compounds start the sublimation process. X-ray diffraction of [Cr(en)₃]·Mo₇O₂₄, [Co(en)₃]·Mo₇O₂₄, and [Cu(en)₂(H₂O)₂]₃·Mo₇O₂₄ shows that these complexes are crystalline solids with a similar structure, while the [Ni(en)(H₂O)₄]₃·Mo₇O₂₄, and [Co(en)(H₂O)₂Cl₂]₆·Mo₇O₂₄ ion-pair compounds display a different structure.

A novel technique based on photocatalysis to eliminate Cr(VI) ions, a toxic pollutant in the environment, was applied. The photoreduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) ion in aqueous suspensions using new-mixed oxides as photocatalysts (Cr₂O₃·MoO_2.5, Co₂O₃·MoO_2.5, NiO·MoO₃, and CuO·MoO₃) under air-equilibration and irradiation by a medium pressure mercury lamp (UV–VIS) was investigated.     

Low-temperature H2 and N2 transport through thin Pd66Cu34Hx layers

The single gas H₂ and N₂ permeability of a 4 μm thick dense fcc-Pd₆₆Cu₃₄ layer has been studied between room temperature and 510 °C and at pressure differences up to 400 kPa. Above 50 °C the H₂ flux exhibits an Arrhenius-type temperature dependence with J_H2=(5.2±0.3) mol m⁻² s⁻¹ exp[(−21.3 ± 0.2) kJ mol⁻¹/(R·T)]. The hydrogen transport rate is controlled by the bulk diffusion although the pressure dependence of the H₂ flux deviates slightly from Sieverts’ law. A sudden increase of the H₂ flux below 50 °C is attributed to embrittlement.     

Catalytic degradation of polyethylene over SAPO-37 molecular sieve

The degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was studied alone and in presence of silicoaluminophosphate type silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO-37) as catalyst. This material was synthesized by the hydrothermal method using tetrapropylammonium hydroxide and tetramethylammonium chloride as organic templates. The characterization by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and scanning electron microscopy showed that typical faujasite structure for the SAPO-37 was obtained. The total acidity, determined by n-butylamine adsorption, it was equivalent to 0.558 mmol g⁻¹, corresponding to moderate acid strength. For catalytic reaction, a physical mixture of 25%SAPO-37/HDPE was decomposed in a thermobalance at heating rates of 5, 10 and 20 °C min⁻¹, from 380 to 520 °C. At the maximum degradation rate, the products were collected in a cold trap and analyzed by a coupled gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer. The degradation of HDPE without catalyst was carried out at the same conditions for comparison with the obtained data with SAPO-37. The HDPE alone suffers decomposition to a wide range of hydrocarbons (C₅–C₂₅) while in the presence of catalyst, light hydrocarbons (C₂–C₁₂) were obtained. By the application of the Vyazovkin model-free kinetic method, it was observed that the activation energy decreased from 290 kJ mol⁻¹ for HDPE alone, to 220 kJ mol⁻¹ for 25%SAPO-37/HDPE, evidencing that SAPO-37 is an effective catalyst for polyethylene degradation.     

K/Ni/β-Mo2C: A highly active and selective catalyst for higher alcohols synthesis from CO hydrogenation

Nickel and potassium promoted β-Mo₂C catalysts were prepared for CO hydrogenation to higher alcohols synthesis. The results revealed that β-Mo₂C produced mainly hydrocarbons, but the addition of potassium resulted in a remarkable selectivity shift from hydrocarbons to alcohols over β-Mo₂C. Moreover, it was found that potassium enhanced the ability of chain propagation of β-Mo₂C catalyst and led to a higher selectivity to C₂⁺OH. The addition of nickel further enhanced higher alcohols synthesis, which showed the optimum at 1/8–1/6 of Ni/Mo molar ratios. The characterization suggested that there might be a synergistic effect of potassium and nickel on β-Mo₂C, which favored the alcohols synthesis. The production of alcohols appeared to be relevant to the presence of Mo⁴⁺ species, whereas the formation of hydrocarbons was closely associated with Mo²⁺ and/or Mo⁰ species on the surface of β-Mo₂C-based catalysts.     

Catalytic dechlorination of 1-chlorooctadecane in supercritical carbon dioxide

Palladium catalyzed hydrodechlorination of 1-chlorooctadecane in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC–CO₂) was performed and compared to dechlorination in isopropanol at atmospheric pressure (liquid isopropanol). The reaction utilized isopropanol as a hydrogen donor and its rate in SC–CO₂ was significantly faster than in isopropanol at atmospheric pressure. The dechlorination yield in liquid isopropanol was increased by addition of NaOH, while the presence of either NaOH or triethylamine in SC–CO₂ lowered the dechlorination yield significantly. Experimental parameters such as pressure, temperature, and the concentrations of reagents (isopropanol and palladium) in the absence of base were optimized in SC–CO₂ to obtain complete dechlorination. Kinetic studies of the reaction were then performed to deduce the reaction mechanism. The apparent activation energies of the reaction were 43±5 kJ mol⁻¹ in SC–CO₂ and 35±3 kJ mol⁻¹ in liquid isopropanol. The rate determining step of the reaction was deduced to be adsorption of 1-chlorooctadecane on the palladium surface.     

Comparison between tungsten carbide and molybdenum carbide for the hydrodenitrogenation of carbazole

The activity of molybdenum and tungsten carbides in hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) of carbazole was studied. Transition metal carbides (Mo₂C and W₂C) were synthesized using the temperature-programmed reaction of the appropriate oxide precursor (MoO₃ and WO₃) with the following gas mixture: 10 vol.% CH₄/H₂. The structure of the catalysts was characterized using X-ray diffraction, CO chemisorption, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and BET surface area measurements. From the HRTEM analysis, it could be concluded that the tungsten carbide was thioresistant in our operating conditions (50 ppm of S, pressure = 6 MPa, 553 < T < 653 K, H₂/feed volumic ratio = 600). In the case of Mo₂C, molybdenum sulphide was observed as single slabs. The activity of catalysts was determined during the hydrodenitrogenation of carbazole at the wide range of temperature (553–653 K) and under a 6 MPa total pressure of H₂. The comparison of tungsten carbide and molybdenum carbide has shown higher activity of Mo₂C than W₂C at the same condition. However, W₂C leads to higher amount of isomers of main products, and have higher hydrogenation activity.     

Preparation of supported Pt-M catalysts (M = Mo and W) from anion-exchanged hydrotalcites and their catalytic activity for low temperature NO-H2-O2 reaction

The NO-H₂-O₂ reaction was studied over supported bimetallic catalysts, Pt-Mo and Pt-W, which were prepared by coexchange of hydrotalcite-like Mg-Al double layered hydroxides by Pt(NO₂)₄²⁻, MoO₄²⁻, and/or WO₄²⁻ and subsequent heating at 600 °C in H₂. The Pt–Mo interaction could obviously be seen when the catalyst after reduction treatment was exposed to a mixture of NO and H₂ in the absence of O₂. The Pt-HT catalyst showed the almost complete NO conversion at 70 °C, whereas the Pt-Mo-HT showed a negligible conversion. Upon exposure to O₂, however, Pt-Mo-HT exhibited the NO conversion at the lowest temperature of ≥30 °C, compared to ≥60 °C required for Pt-HT. EXAFS/XANES, XPS and IR results suggested that the role of Mo is very sensitive to the oxidation state, i.e., oxidized Mo species residing in Pt particles are postulated to retard the oxidative adsorption of NO as NO₃ and promote the catalytic conversion of NO to N₂O at low temperatures.     

Dechlorination kinetics of monochlorobiphenyls by Fe/Pd: Effects of solvent, temperature, and PCB concentration

Well-known, yet undefined, changes in the conditions and activity of palladized zerovalent iron (Fe/Pd) over an extended period of time hindered a careful study of dechlorination kinetics in long-term experiments. A short-term experimental method was, therefore, developed to study the effects of temperature and solvent on the dechlorination of monochlorobiphenyls (MCBs), 2-chlorobiphenyl (2-ClBP), in particular by Fe/Pd. The experiments started with specified initial conditions and lasted only for 10 min. The average value (k) of the first-order rate constant for the dechlorination of 2-ClBP was 0.13 ± 0.03 L m⁻² h⁻¹, not significantly different from the average values for 3-chlorobiphenyl and 4-chlorobiphenyl. The apparent activation energy was 20 ± 4 kJ mol⁻¹ and 17 ± 7 kJ mol⁻¹, in a temperature range between 4 °C and 60 °C, for the dechlorination of 2-ClBP using two batches of Fe/Pd catalyst. The k values decreased significantly in mixtures with a methanol concentration higher than 10%. The values of the rate constant were slightly influenced by the initial concentrations in the experiments at a low temperature and in a solution with a high methanol concentration. The concentration dependence was described with a Langmuir equation, based on the Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism that includes an adsorption step of a single species preceding a rate-determining catalytic reaction.