A novel highly active and sulfur resistant catalyst from Mn-Fe-Al layered double hydroxide for low temperature NH3-SCR

Recent Progress on Low-Temperature Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx with Ammonia

Selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) with ammonia (NH3-SCR) has been implemented in response to the regulation of NOx emissions from stationary and mobile sources above 300 °C. However, the development of NH3-SCR catalysts active at low temperatures below 200 °C is still needed to improve the energy efficiency and to cope with various fuels. In this review article, recent reports on low-temperature NH3-SCR catalysts are systematically summarized. The redox property as well as the surface acidity are two main factors that affect the catalytic activity. The strong redox property is beneficial for the low-temperature NH3-SCR activity but is responsible for N2O formation. The multiple electron transfer system is more plausible for controlling redox properties. H2O and SOx, which are often found with NOx in flue gas, have a detrimental effect on NH3-SCR activity, especially at low temperatures. The competitive adsorption of H2O can be minimized by enhancing the hydrophobic property of the catalyst. Various strategies to improve the resistance to SOx poisoning are also discussed.

Polyether sulfone flat-sheet membrane impregnated with Mn-Al layered double hydroxide nanoparticles for green microfiltration of acrylamide in cocoa products

A new polyether sulfone (PES) membrane modified with manganese-aluminum layered double hydroxide (Mn-Al LDH) was prepared and utilized in the membrane micro-solid phase extraction (M-µSPE) of acrylamide for the first time. The analyses were conducted using HPLC-UV. The extraction efficiency of the PES membrane was enhanced two-fold with the addition of LDH. The fabricated LDH@PES was characterized using ATR-FTIR, SEM, XRD, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. The specific surface area, average pore diameter, thickness, cross-sectional channels, and LDH particle size of the LDH@PES membrane were determined. The extraction key factors including membrane composition, desorption conditions, sample pH, and salt concentration were studied. The method was validated by determining the limit of detection, the limit of quantification, linear range, r2, matrix effect, enrichment factor, and precision. Extraction recoveries ranged from 87.4 to 103.5% with RSD < 5.9%. Finally, the method's green features were assessed with the AGREE protocol. This is the first report on the application of LDH@PES for microfiltration/extraction of acrylamide in various chocolate and cocoa products.

Overview of mechanisms of Fe-based catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3 at low temperature

With the increasingly stringent control of NOx emissions, NH3-SCR, one of the most effective de-NOx technologies for removing NOx, has been widely employed to eliminate NOx from automobile exhaust and industrial production. Researchers have favored iron-based catalysts for their low cost, high activity, and excellent de-NOx performance. This paper takes a new perspective to review the research progress of iron-based catalysts. The influence of the chemical form of single iron-based catalysts on their performance was investigated. In the section on composite iron-based catalysts, detailed reviews were conducted on the effects of synergistic interactions between iron and other elements on catalytic performance. Regarding loaded iron-based catalysts, the catalytic performance of iron-based catalysts on different carriers was systematically examined. In the section on iron-based catalysts with novel structures, the effects of the morphology and crystallinity of nanomaterials on catalytic performance were analyzed. Additionally, the reaction mechanism and poisoning mechanism of iron-based catalysts were elucidated. In conclusion, the paper delved into the prospects and future directions of iron-based catalysts, aiming to provide ideas for the development of iron-based catalysts with better application prospects. The comprehensive review underscores the significance of iron-based catalysts in the realm of de-NOx technologies, shedding light on their diverse forms and applications. The hope is that this paper will serve as a valuable resource, guiding future endeavors in the development of advanced iron-based catalysts.

A Review of Mn-Based Catalysts for Abating NOx and CO in Low-Temperature Flue Gas: Performance and Mechanisms

Mn-based catalysts have attracted significant attention in the field of catalytic research, particularly in NOx catalytic reductions and CO catalytic oxidation, owing to their good catalytic activity at low temperatures. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of Mn-based catalysts for the removal of NOx and CO. The effects of crystallinity, valence states, morphology, and active component dispersion on the catalytic performance of Mn-based catalysts are thoroughly reviewed. This review delves into the reaction mechanisms of Mn-based catalysts for NOx reduction, CO oxidation, and the simultaneous removal of NOx and CO. Finally, according to the catalytic performance of Mn-based catalysts and the challenges faced, a possible perspective and direction for Mn-based catalysts for abating NOx and CO is proposed. And we expect that this review can serve as a reference for the catalytic treatment of NOx and CO in future studies and applications.

Excellent operating temperature window and H2O/SO2 resistances of Fe-Ce catalyst modified by different sulfation strategies for NH3-SCR reaction

Expecting to gain an excellent operating temperature window and superior catalytic activity of the catalyst in SCR reaction, the Fe-Ce bimetallic oxide catalyst was firstly prepared and sulfated with two different sulfation strategies by H₂SO₄. It is interestingly found that both the two sulfation strategies can significantly broaden the operating temperature window of the catalyst. In particular, the SFC and FCS both exhibit superior resistance to H₂O + SO₂, and the NO_x conversion of the SFC even displays no changes in the coexistence of H₂O and SO₂. The characterization results show that different sulfation strategies can generate amorphous sulfate species rather than bulk sulfate species. Furthermore, more surface-adsorbed oxygen as well as higher contents of Ce³⁺ and Fe³⁺ can be obtained on the sulfated catalysts, especially for the SFC catalyst. Meanwhile, different sulfation strategies will progressively enhance the redox ability and amounts of strong acid sites, which will contribute to broadening the operating temperature window for the NH₃-SCR reaction. Additionally, different sulfation methods do not change the reaction pathway of catalysts. However, the adsorption of ad-NH₃ species and reactivity of ad-NO_x species are significantly changed. These lead to the reaction pathway shifts to E-R direct over the SFC and the promotion of E-R and L-H mechanisms over the FCS catalyst.

Ozone catalytic oxidation of low-concentration formaldehyde over ternary Mn-Ce-Ni oxide catalysts modified with FeOx

Manganese oxide-based catalysts have attracted extensive attention due to their relatively low cost and remarkable performance for removing VOCs. In this research, we used the Pechini method to synthesize manganese-cerium-nickel ternary oxide catalysts (MCN) and evaluated the effectiveness of catalytic destruction of formaldehyde (HCHO) and ozone at room temperature. FeO_x prepared by the impregnation method was applied to modify the catalyst. After FeO_x treatment, the catalyst represented the best performance on both HCHO destruction and ozone decomposition under dry conditions and exhibited excellent water vapor resistance. The as-prepared catalysts were next characterized via H₂-temperature programmed reduction (H₂-TPR), temperature programmed desorption of O₂ (O₂-TPD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the results demonstrated that addition of FeO_x increased Mn³⁺ and Ce³⁺ concentrations, oxygen vacancies and surface lattice oxygen species, facilitated adsorption, and redox properties. Based on the results of in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectrometry (DRIFTS), possible mechanisms of ozone catalytic oxidation of HCHO were proposed. Overall, the ternary mixed-oxide catalyst developed in this study holds great promise for HCHO and ozone decomposition in the indoor environment.

The promoting/inhibiting effect of water vapor on the selective catalytic reduction of NOx

In the field of nitrogen oxides (NO_x) abatement, developing selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts that can operate stably in the practical conditions remains a big challenge because of the complexity and uncertainty of actual flue gas emissions. As water vapor is unavoidable in the actual flue gas, it is indispensable to explore its effect on the performance of SCR catalysts. Many studies have proved that the effects of H₂O on de-NO_x activity of SCR catalysts were indeed observed during SCR reactions operated under wet conditions. Whether the effect is promotive or inhibitory depends on the reaction conditions, catalyst types and reducing agents used in SCR reaction. This review focuses on the effect of H₂O on SCR catalysts and SCR reaction, including promoting effect, inhibiting effect, as well as the effecting mechanism. Besides, various strategies for developing a water-resistant SCR catalyst are also included. We hope that this work can give a more comprehensive insight into the effects of H₂O on SCR catalysts and help with the rational design of water-resistant SCR catalysts for further practical application in NO_x abatement field.

An overview of the deactivation mechanism and modification methods of the SCR catalysts for denitration from marine engine exhaust

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology is currently the most effective deNO_x technology and has broad application prospects. Moreover, there is a large NO_x content in marine engine exhaust. However, the marine engine SCR catalyst will be affected by heavy metals, SO₂, H₂O_(g), hydrocarbons (HC) and particulate matter (PM) in the exhaust, which will hinder the removal of NO_x via SCR. Furthermore, due to the high loading operation of the marine engine and the regeneration of the diesel particulate filter (DPF), the exhaust temperature of the engine may exceed 600 °C, which leads to sintering of the SCR catalysts. Therefore, the development of new catalysts with good tolerances to the above emissions and process parameters is of great significance for further reducing NO_x from marine engines. In this work, we first elaborate on the mechanism of the SCR catalyst poisoning caused by marine engine emissions, as well as the working mechanism of SCR catalysts affected by the engine exhaust temperature. Second, we also summarize the current technologies for improving the properties of SCR catalysts with the aim of enhancing the resistance and stability under complex working conditions. Finally, the challenges and perspectives associated with the performance optimization and technology popularization of marine SCR systems are discussed and proposed further. Consequently, this review may provide a valuable reference and inspiration for the development of catalysts and improvement in the denitration ability of SCR systems matched with marine engines.

Effect of MnOx/α-Fe2O3 Prepared from Goethite on Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO with NH3

A low-cost goethite and manganese acetate were used to prepare a MnOx/α-Fe2O3 composite catalyst by simple impregnation method for novel high-efficiency selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH3, and its denitration performance of composite catalyst under different conditions was investigated in a thermal fixed-bed catalytic reaction system. The results showed that MnOx/α-Fe2O3 with Mn/Fe molar ratio of 0.1 and calcination temperature of 400 °C had the best low-temperature catalytic activity and wider reaction temperature window compared with α-Fe2O3. It achieved over 90% NO conversion efficiency with a space velocity of 72,000 h−1 at 200~350 °C and possessed a good resistance of H2O and SO2. Characterization by XRD, BET, H2-TPR, and NH3-TPD revealed that the main reason for the high catalytic activity of MnOx(0.1)/α-Fe2O3(400) was that the addition of Mn changed phase types of catalyst and valence composition of Fe, resulting in a larger specific surface area, more acidic sites, and higher redox performance.

Stability Mechanism of Low Temperature C2H4-SCR with Activated-Carbon-Supported MnO x -Based Catalyst

Manganese-based catalysts have shown great potential for use as a hydrocarbon reductant for NO _x reduction (HC-SCR) at low temperatures if their catalytic stability could be further maintained. The effect of CeO₂ as a promoter and catalyst stability agent for activated carbon supported MnO _x was investigated during low temperature deNO _x based on a C₂H₄ reductant. The modern characterization technology could provide a clear understanding of the activity observed during the deNO _x tests. When reaction temperatures were greater than 180 °C and with ceria concentrations more than 5%, the overall NO conversion became stable near 70% during long duration testing. In situ DRIFTS shows that C₂H₄ is adsorbed on the Mn₃Ce₃/NAC catalysts to generate hydrocarbon activated intermediates, R-COOH, and the reaction mechanism followed the E-R mechanism. The stability and the analytical data pointed to the formation of stable oxygen vacancies within Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ redox couplets that prevented the reduction of MnO₂ to crystalline Mn₂O₃ and promoted the chemisorption of oxygen on the surface of MnO _x -CeO _x structures. Based on the data, a synergetic mechanism model of the deNO _x activity is proposed for the MnO _x -CeO _x catalysts.

Low-Temperature SCR Catalyst Development and Industrial Applications in China

In recent years, low-temperature SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) denitrification technology has been popularized in non-power industries and has played an important role in the control of industrial flue gas NOx emissions in China. Currently, the most commonly used catalysts in industry are V2O5-WO3(MoO3)/TiO2, MnO2-based catalysts, CeO2-based catalysts, MnO2-CeO2 catalysts and zeolite SCR catalysts. The flue gas emitted during industrial combustion usually contains SO2, moisture and alkali metals, which can affect the service life of SCR catalysts. This paper summarizes the mechanism of catalyst poisoning and aims to reduce the negative effect of NH4HSO4 on the activity of the SCR catalyst at low temperatures in industrial applications. It also presents the outstanding achievements of domestic companies in denitrification in the non-power industry in recent years. Much progress has been made in the research and application of low-temperature NH3-SCR, and with the renewed demand for deeper NOx treatments, new technologies with lower energy consumption and more functions need to be developed.

Layered Double Hydroxide Catalysts for Ozone Decomposition: The Synergic Role of M2+ and M3

In previous work, we successfully prepared a NiFe-layered double hydroxide (LDH) with superior activity and stability for catalytic ozone decomposition, which fundamentally avoids deactivation under high-humidity conditions. However, the role of the metal elements (M²⁺ and M³⁺) in LDH catalysts is not clear. Here, LDH materials containing different metals (NiFe, NiAl, NiMn, CoFe, and MgFe) were prepared by a simple co-precipitation method. It was found that the LDHs containing Ni²⁺ exhibited catalytic performance far superior to that of Co²⁺ and Mg²⁺ for ozone elimination, and NiFe-LDH had the best activity and stability among LDH materials prepared in this study. The NiFe-LDH can maintain 78% catalytic activity within 144 h at room temperature, even under a relative humidity of 65% and a space velocity of 840 L·g^-1·h^-1. Physicochemical characterizations demonstrated that chemical stability in an oxidizing atmosphere and the synergic role of M²⁺ and M³⁺ ions are crucial. The result of density functional theory calculation showed that the synergic role of Ni²⁺ and Fe³⁺ weakens the interaction between O and H in the O-H bond, which effectively lowers the reaction barrier of ozone decomposition compared with MgFe-LDH.

Selective catalytic reduction of NO x by low-temperature NH3 over Mn x Zr1 mixed-oxide catalysts

Mn_xZr₁ series catalysts were prepared by a coprecipitation method. The effect of zirconium doping on the NH₃-SCR performance of the MnO_x catalyst was studied, and the influence of the calcination temperature on the catalyst activity was explored. The results showed that the Mn₆Zr₁ catalyst exhibited good NH₃-SCR activity when calcined at 400 °C. When the reaction temperature was 125–250 °C, the NO_x conversion rate of Mn₆Zr₁ catalyst reached more than 90%, and the optimal conversion efficiency reached 97%. In addition, the Mn₆Zr₁ catalyst showed excellent SO₂ and H₂O resistance at the optimum reaction temperature. Meanwhile, the catalysts were characterized. The results showed that the morphology of the MnO_x catalyst was significantly changed, whereby as the proportion of Mn⁴⁺ and O_α species increased, the physical properties of the catalyst were improved. In addition, both Lewis acid sites and Brønsted acid sites existed in the Mn₆Zr₁ catalyst, which reduced the reduction temperature of the catalyst. In summary, zirconium doping successfully improved the NH₃-SCR performance of MnO_x.

Mn_xZr₁ series catalysts were prepared by a coprecipitation method.

Selective catalytic reduction of NO by Co-Mn based nanocatalysts

One of the most significant aspects in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxides (NOx) is developing suitable catalysts by which the process occurs in a favorable way. At the present work SCR reaction by ammonia (NH3-SCR) was conducted using Co-Mn spinel and its composite with Fe-Mn spinel, as nanocatalysts. The nanocatalysts were fabricated through liquid routes and then their physicochemical properties such as phase composition, degree of agglomeration, particle size distribution, specific surface area and also surface acidic sites have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR) and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD) analysis techniques. The catalytic activity tests in a temperature window of 150–400 °C and gas hourly space velocities of 10,000, 18,000 and 30,000 h−1 revealed that almost in all studied conditions, CoMn2O4/FeMn2O4 nanocomposite exhibited better performance in SCR reaction than CoMn2O4 spinel.

Modified Zeolite Catalyst for a NOx Selective Catalytic Reduction Process in Nitric Acid Plants

Natural zeolite of the heulandite-type framework was modified with iron and tested as a catalyst for the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides with ammonia (NH3-SCR) in the temperature range of 150–450 °C. The catalyst was prepared at a laboratory scale in a powder form and then the series of experiments of its shaping into tablets was conducted. Physicochemical studies of the catalyst (N2 sorption at −196 °C, FT-IR, XRD, UV-vis) were performed to determine the textural and structural properties and identify the surface functional groups, the crystalline structure of the catalysts and the form and aggregation of the active phase. The activity tests over the shaped catalyst were performed industry-reflecting conditions, using tail gases from the pilot nitric acid plant. The influence of a temperature, catalyst load, and the amount of reducing agent (ammonia) on the NOx reduction process were investigated. The results of catalytic tests that were performed on model gas mixture showed that non-modified clinoptilolite exhibited around 58% conversion of NO at 450 °C. The temperature window of the shaped catalyst shifted to a higher temperature range in comparison to the powder sample. The catalytic performance of the shaped Fe-clinoptilolite in the industry-reflecting conditions was satisfactory, especially at 450 °C. Additionally, it was observed that the ratio of N2O concentration downstream and upstream of the catalytic bed was below 1, which indicated that the catalyst exhibited activity in both DeNOx and DeN2O process.

Low-temperature Fe–MnO2 nanotube catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3

Fe improved the reducibility of Mn sites and reduced the oxidizing properties of bridging oxygen.

Recent advances in layered double hydroxides (LDHs) derived catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3

In recent years, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) derived metal oxides as highly efficient catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of NO_x with NH₃ (NH₃-SCR) have attracted great attention. The high dispersibility and interchangeability of cations within the brucite-like layers make LDHs an indispensable branch of catalytic materials. With the increasingly stringent and ultra-low emission regulations, there is an urgent need for highly efficient and stable low-medium temperature denitration catalysts in markets. In this contribution, we have critically summarized the recent research progress in the LDHs derived NH₃-SCR catalysts, including their ability for NO_x removal, N₂ selectivity, active temperature window, stability and resistance to poisoning. The advantages and defects of various types of LDHs-derived catalysts are comparatively summarized, and the corresponding modification strategies are discussed. In addition, considering the importance of the catalyst's resistance to poisoning in practical applications, we discuss the poisoning mechanism of each component in flue gases, and provide the corresponding strategies to improve the poisoning resistance of catalysts. Finally, from the perspective of practical applications and operation cost, the regeneration measures of catalysts after poisoning is also discussed. We hope that this work can give timely technical guidance and valuable insights for the applications of LDHs materials in the field of NO_x control.

Highly efficient WO3-FeOx catalysts synthesized using a novel solvent-free method for NH3-SCR

WO₃-FeO_x catalysts with various WO₃ contents were synthesized through a facile solvent-free method, satisfying the selective catalytic reduction of NO (NH₃-SCR). Strikingly, the optimum 30 %WO₃-FeO_x catalyst with the largest surface area exhibited the most outstanding catalytic activity, achieving the nearly 100 % NO_x removal efficiency in a wide temperature window between 225-500 °C, which was better than that of Fe-W series catalysts reported in other studies. In addition, Raman and XPS results proved that the introduction of WO₃ altered the electronic environment of Fe₂O₃, inducing the formation of Fe₃O₄ (Fe²⁺) and surface adsorbed oxygen. In situ DRIFTS demonstrated that the interaction between WO₃ and Fe₂O₃ not only promoted the adsorption capacity of NH₃ on the catalyst, but also contributed to the formation of adsorbed NO_x species. NO_x reduction reaction on WO₃-FeO_x catalyst proceeded via the Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism synchronously. All of these factors, jointly, accounted for the superior catalytic activity and N₂ selectivity of WO₃-FeO_x catalysts.

A comparative study on the NOx storage and reduction performance of Pt/Ni1Mg2Al1Ox and Pt/Mn1Mg2Al1Ox catalysts

A series of Ni₁Mg₂Al₁O_x, Mn₁Mg₂Al₁O_x, 0.5Pt/Ni₁Mg₂Al₁O_x and 0.5Pt/Mn₁Mg₂Al₁O_x catalysts were carefully prepared and their NO_x storage and reduction (NSR) performance including NO_x oxidation efficiency (NOE), NO_x storage capacity (NSC), NO_x conversion rate (X_NO), N₂ selectivity (S_N2), N₂O selectivity (S_N2O) and NH₃ selectivity (S_NH3), was systematically investigated. A SO₂ resistance test was also performed in the presence of 100 ppm SO₂. The NOE and NSC experimental results revealed that the Ni₁Mg₂Al₁O_x catalyst possesses a higher NSC, while the Mn₁Mg₂Al₁O_x catalyst possesses a better NOE. With regard to X_NO, 0.5Pt/Ni₁Mg₂Al₁O_x presented higher results at 200 °C and 400 °C, while 0.5Pt/Mn₁Mg₂Al₁O_x obtained the highest result at 300 °C, which was more than 60% for both. In addition, compared to 0.5Pt/Ni₁Mg₂Al₁O_x, 0.5Pt/Mn₁Mg₂Al₁O_x exhibited a relatively higher S_N2 and lower S_N2O and S_NH3. The NO_x-TPD and H₂-TPSR results indicated that NO_x adsorbed on Ni₁Mg₂Al₁O_x and 0.5Pt/Ni₁Mg₂Al₁O_x is more stable, and that NH₃ can be formed in large amounts in a lower temperature range. Both Pt-containing catalysts presented a quite stable X_NO in ten cycles in the presence of 100 ppm SO₂, and their S_N2 can be remarkably enhanced to more than 80%, which could be attributed to the reactions of NH₃-SCR and SO₂ + NH₃. We believe this new insight can provide a new way of thinking for the development of NSR catalysts.

Enhancement of NH3-SCR performance of LDH-based MMnAl (M = Cu, Ni, Co) oxide catalyst: influence of dopant M

Transition metal (Cu, Ni, Co) doped MnAl mixed oxide catalysts were prepared through a novel method involving the calcination of hydrotalcite precursors for the selective catalytic reduction of NO x with NH3 (NH3-SCR). The effects of transition metal modification were confirmed by means of XRD, BET, TEM, XPS, NH3-TPD, and H2-TPR measurements. Experimental results evidenced that CoMnAl-LDO presented the highest NO x removal efficiency of over 80% and a relatively high N2 selectivity of over 88% in a broad working temperature range (150-300 °C) among all the samples studied. Moreover, the CoMnAl-LDO sample possessed better stability and excellent resistance to H2O and SO2. The reasons for such results could be associated with the good dispersion of Co3O4 and MnO x , which could consequently provide optimum redox behavior, plentiful acid sites, and strong NO x adsorption ability. Furthermore, dynamics calculations verified the meaningful reduction in apparent activation energy (E a) for the CoMnAl-LDO sample, which is in agreement with the DeNO x activity.