Structural Evolution of Highly Active Ir-Based Catalysts for the Selective Reduction of NO with Reductants in Oxidizing Conditions

NO _x reduction over Ir-based catalysts in the presence of excess oxygen with hydrocarbon as a reductant was investigated in the focus on observing microstructure of Ir particle supported on various carriers and structural evolution of highly active Ir-based catalysts in the NO _x reduction. Characterization of Ir-based catalysts using SEM, TEM, XRD, CO chemisorption and XPS, and reaction studies on various Ir-based catalysts have proved that the formation of relatively large Ir metal particle with 40–60 nm of nanocrystal size carried on inert supports has been a prerequisite for the evolution of high activities in the NO _x reduction rather than the formation of Ir metal state on the catalyst. Furthermore, in inert gas conditions in a high temperature range of 850–950°C, Ir metal was easily formed by using the support such as TiO₂ and ZrO₂ that drastically decreased its specific surface area in the temperature range.     

A catalytic NOx reduction system using periodic steps, lean and rich operations

Catalytic lean NO reduction system in periodic two steps, lean/rich operations has been investigated over Rh-based catalysts. The investigation was done using a pulse reaction. In the reaction, after H₂ or CO was pulse-injected for a moment to achieve reducing conditions, the highly dispersed Rh catalyst could catalyze NO reduction at 200–400 °C in lean conditions for 1 min. Furthermore, NO was effectively reduced over the highly dispersed Rh/β-zeolite after exposure to the gas composed of 3% of O₂, 40 ppm of SO₂ and balance of He at 300 and 400 °C for 24 h.     

Evaluation of methods to estimate the patient dose in interventional radiology

Dosimetric methods used for interventional and diagnostic radiology are reviewed and evaluated, including terms, quantities, equipment, calibration and measurements. Measurement of local skin dose and estimation of maximum local skin dose are emphasised. Aspects related to dosimetry in computed tomography and to methods of determining organ and tissue doses are not considered.