Promising Stability of Gold-Based Catalysts Prepared by Direct Anionic Exchange for DeNO x Applications in Lean Burn Conditions

Supported gold catalysts on γ-Al₂O₃ have been investigated in the catalytic reduction of NO _x in simulated Diesel exhaust gas conditions. Different parameters have been examined essentially the mode of gold incorporation via classical deposition–precipitation and anionic exchange methods and the nature of the pre-activation thermal treatment. The resistance to thermal ageing under reactive conditions at 500 °C was found completely different with a significant rate enhancement on anionic-exchange samples. Further comparisons also show that the nature of the pre-activation thermal treatment influences the extent of surface reconstructions during thermal ageing with a detrimental effect of reductive pre-treatment on the catalytic performances.