Selective catalytic reduction of nitric oxide with acetaldehyde over NaY zeolite catalyst in lean exhaust feed

Steady-state selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitric oxide (NO) was investigated under simulated lean-burn conditions using acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) as the reductant. This work describes the influence of catalyst space velocity and the impact of nitric oxide, acetaldehyde, oxygen, sulfur dioxide, and water on NOx reduction activity over NaY zeolite catalyst. Results indicate that with sufficient catalyst volume 90% NOx conversion can be achieved at temperatures relevant to light-duty diesel exhaust (150–350 °C). Nitric oxide and acetaldehyde react to form N2, HCN, and CO2. Oxygen is necessary in the exhaust feed stream to oxidize NO to NO2 over the catalyst prior to reduction, and water is required to prevent catalyst deactivation. Under conditions of excess acetaldehyde (C1:N>6:1) and low temperature (<250 °C) initial NOx conversion is apparently very high; however, the NOx conversion steadily declines with time due to catalytic oxidation of some of the stored (adsorbed) NO to NO2, which can have a significant impact on steady-state NOx conversion. With 250 ppm NO in the exhaust feed stream, maximum NOx conversion at 200 °C can be achieved with ∼400 ppm of acetaldehyde, with higher acetaldehyde concentrations resulting in production of acetic acid and breakthrough of NO2 causing lower NOx conversion levels. Less acetaldehyde is necessary at lower NO concentrations, while more acetaldehyde is required at higher temperatures. Sulfur in the exhaust feed stream as SO2 can cause slow deactivation of the catalyst by poisoning the adsorption and subsequent reaction of nitric oxide and acetaldehyde, particularly at low temperature.