PROMETHEUS: A Copper-Based Polymetallic Catalyst for Automotive Applications. Part II: Catalytic Efficiency an Endurance as Compared with Original Catalysts.

Iakovos Yakoumis,Εkaterini Polyzou,Anastasia Maria Moschovi

doi:10.3390/ma14092226

Abstract

PROMETHEUS catalyst, a copper-based polymetallic nano-catalyst has been proven to be suitable for automotive emission control applications. This novel catalyst consists of copper, palladium and rhodium nanoparticles as active phases, impregnated on an inorganic oxide substrate, CeO2/ZrO2 (75%, 25%). The aim of PROMETHEUS catalyst’s development is the substitution of a significant amount (85%) of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) with copper nanoparticles while, at the same time, presenting high catalytic efficiency with respect to the commercial catalysts. In this work, an extensive investigation of the catalytic activity of full scale PROMETHEUS fresh and aged catalyst deposited on ceramic cordierites is presented and discussed. The catalytic activity was tested on an Synthetic Gas Bench (SGB) towards the oxidation of CO and CH4 and the reduction of NO. The loading of the washcoat was 2 wt% (metal content) on Cu, Pd, Rh with the corresponding metal ratio at 21:7:1. The concentration of the full-scale monolithic catalysts to be 0.032% total PGM loading for meeting Euro III standard and 0.089% for meeting Euro IV to Euro VIb standards. The catalytic activity of all catalysts was tested both in rich-burn (λ = 0.99) and lean-burn conditions (λ = 1.03).

Highlights

PROMETHEUS catalytic washcoat production which consists of 2 wt% Cu, Pd and Rh nanoparticles supported over Ce0.68 Zr0.32 O2 inorganic carrier (PROM2) and its deposition on monolithic cordierites achieving the production of full-scale PROMETHEUS catalysts have been presented in our previous work [24]
PROMETHEUS catalysts were tested in the synthetic gas bench (SGB) apparatus, simulating the operation of an internal combustion engine
Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)/ft3 corresponding to EURO III catalyst and EURO IV/V/VI were tested for the abatement of toxic gases CO, CH4 and NO

Summary

Introduction

The price of PGMs has increased significantly in the past 5 years (+165.68% for platinum, +467.26% for palladium and +1490.30% for rhodium) [1], while their supply is dependent on few producers and at the same time their substitution remains difficult. It is, easy to understand that the development of new catalytic systems that combine high efficiency with lower use of PGMs is a challenge for the research community, both for environmental and economic reasons [2]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion