Reduction of NO2 stored in a commercial lean NO x trap at low temperatures

Isothermal storage of NO₂ and subsequent reduction with different reducing agents (H₂, CO or H₂ + CO) in a lean NO _x trap catalyst was tested by Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD) and Temperature Programmed Reduction (TPR) experiments at temperatures representative of automotive “cold-start” conditions (<200 °C) using a commercial NO _x trap catalyst. Results from the TPR experiments revealed that no reduction of stored NO₂ to N₂ was observed at 100–180 °C, and at 200 °C 10% reduction only of NO₂ to N₂ was measured. A special affinity of H₂ to form NH₃ was observed during the reduction of stored NO₂. The formation of NH₃ increases with increasing amount of stored NO₂ and decreases with increasing storage temperature. Direct relation exists between the amount of adsorbed and/or stored NO₂ and the formation of H₂O and NH₃.