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Title: Deactivation of Cu/ZSM-5 catalysts for lean NO{sub x} reduction: Characterization of changes of Cu state and zeolite support

Journal Article · · Journal of Catalysis
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL (United States)

The dependence of the deactivation rate of Cu/ZSM-5 lean NO{sub x} reduction catalysts on the composition of the feed was studied. No catalyst deactivation was observed in the absence of H{sub 2}O at 400{degrees}C after 160 h. Catalyst deactivation was much faster if the feed contained C{sub 2}H{sub 8}, NO, O{sub 2}, and H{sub 2}O (lean NO{sub x} reduction conditions) than if one of these components was missing. Fresh and deactivated catalysts were characterized by a variety of techniques, including EPR, XRD, BET surface area measurements, IR spectroscopy, and temperature programmed reduction with H{sub 2}(H{sub 2}-TPR). With some techniques, the differences between fresh and deactivated catalysts were marginal, but very significant changes were observed with TPR and EPR. No gross destruction of the zeolite framework was detected by XRD or BET, even for a catalyst that was 50% deactivated. Isolated Cu{sup 2+} ions, [Cu-O-Cu]{sup 2+} oxocations and CuO particles were identified in fresh Cu/ZSM-5. In deactivated Cu/ZSM-5, the Cu species were redistributed. Besides isolated Cu{sup 2+} oxocations and CuO particles were identified in fresh Cu/ZSM-5. In deactivated Cu/ZSM-5, the Cu species were redistributed. Besides isolated Cu{sup 2+} ions (in two different coordination environments), highly dispersed Cu ions in Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and a CuAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} compound were detected. Ion exchange of Cu{sub 2+} into partially dealuminated H/ZSM-5 yielded TPR and EPR evidence strikingly similar to deactivated Cu/ZSM-5. These results suggested that the formation of proton exchange sites plays a crucial role in catalyst deactivation. In the presence of steam, it induces dealumination of the zeolite, and the copper states are irreversibly changed due to copper interacting with the alumina formed in the dealumination process. 34 refs., 10 figs., 3 tabs.

OSTI ID:
471603
Journal Information:
Journal of Catalysis, Vol. 161, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: Jun 1996
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English