Promoting effect of N2 calcination on FeCeOx for selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3

Abstract

AbstractBACKGROUNDSelective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3 (NH3‐SCR) technology is effective for NOx removal. Acidity and redox ability are two significant characteristics for NH3‐SCR catalysts. This study investigated the effects of N2 calcination on the NH3‐SCR performance of FeCeOx, inspired by the promotion of active oxygen species with inert atmosphere calcination. The structure‐activity relationship and reaction mechanism of the two catalysts (Fe9CeOx‐N2 and Fe9CeOx‐air) were concluded based on the results of characterization.RESULTSFe9CeOx‐N2 showed better NOx conversion and SO2 resistance than Fe9CeOx‐air, especially in low and medium temperature range. For fresh catalysts, a higher amount of Oα, Fe3+ and Ce3+ promoted the redox ability of Fe9CeOx‐N2, and further improved the NOx adsorption and activation. Additionally, the greater number of acid sites of Fe9CeOx‐N2 was another reason for its competitive performance. For SO2‐poisoned catalysts, the primary reaction pathway was the reaction between pre‐adsorbed NH3 species and NOx. The higher amount of acidity from metal sulfate contributed to its better SO2 tolerance of Fe9CeOx‐N2.CONCLUSIONHigher redox ability and acidity led to better NH3‐SCR activity and SO2 tolerance of Fe9CeOx‐N2. This study provides a feasible preparation method for enhancing the NOx conversion and SO2 tolerance of NH3‐SCR catalysts. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.