Reduction of NO2 stored in a commercial lean NO x trap at low temperatures

Abstract

Isothermal storage of NO2 and subsequent reduction with different reducing agents (H2, CO or H2 + CO) in a lean NO x trap catalyst was tested by Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD) and Temperature Programmed Reduction (TPR) experiments at temperatures representative of automotive “cold-start” conditions (<200 °C) using a commercial NO x trap catalyst. Results from the TPR experiments revealed that no reduction of stored NO2 to N2 was observed at 100–180 °C, and at 200 °C 10% reduction only of NO2 to N2 was measured. A special affinity of H2 to form NH3 was observed during the reduction of stored NO2. The formation of NH3 increases with increasing amount of stored NO2 and decreases with increasing storage temperature. Direct relation exists between the amount of adsorbed and/or stored NO2 and the formation of H2O and NH3.