Self-protected Chlorella@Mn catalyst with excellent resistance to alkali/alkaline earth metal for NOx reduction by NH3

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In the selective catalytic reduction of NOx by NH3 (NH3-SCR), conventional Mn-based denitration catalysts often suffered from susceptibility to poisoning by alkali and alkaline earth metals, this paper presented an innovative self-protected Chlorella@Mn denitration catalyst. Remarkably, in the presence of high concentrations (2 wt%) of alkali and alkaline earth metal oxides, the Chlorella@Mn catalyst sustained a NOx conversion exceeding 96 % at 175 °C. At an even higher concentration (4 wt%), NOx conversion above 90 % at 175 °C, surface analysis revealed that POMn sites acted as sacrificial sites, binding to the alkali and alkaline earth metals, the Chlorella@Mn catalyst surface naturally carried a spectrum of acidic species (such as SO42−, PO3−, SiO32−), proficient in capturing alkali/alkaline earth metal effectively, elements such as S, P, and Si formed bonds with K, Na, Ca, and Mg. The synergistic protection of the active sites and the surface elements avoided the deactivation of the catalyst. The detrimental effects of high concentrations of alkali and alkaline earth metals were primarily due to promoting an excessively high valence state of Mn on the catalyst surface and the reduction or loss of NH3 adsorption and activation at Brønsted acid sites. This research provided valuable insights for advancing the development of low-temperature denitration catalysts with improved resistance to alkali and alkaline earth metal poisoning.