Characterization of phosphorus-poisoned automotive exhaust catalysts

Oil-derived contaminants on light-off catalysts from high mileage taxis were characterized by a variety of physical and chemical methods. The contaminants (mostly phosphates) deposit in a strong axial gradient from the front to the back of the monolithic catalyst channels. Two major forms of phosphorus contamination were observed: (1) an overlayer of Zn, Ca, and Mg phosphates, and (2) aluminum phosphate within the washcoat. The data also suggest the formation of cerium(III) phosphate. Laboratory catalytic reaction measurements on core samples from the taxi catalysts confirm a strong deactivating effect due to the phosphorus contamination. The activity improves dramatically after removing phosphorus via an oxalic acid wash.