Incorporation of zirconia onto silica for improved Pt/SiO2 catalysts for the selective reduction of NO by H2

The incorporation of zirconia onto the silica supports of platinum catalysts improved the selective reduction of NO by hydrogen in comparison to platinum catalysts supported on silica and alumina. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, the temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the adsorption of carbon monoxide. Their performances were examined in a flow microreactor and by in situ IR spectroscopy. The incorporation of zirconia onto silica created many strong acid sites and stabilized the dispersed platinum. It aided the adsorption of NO and enhanced the formation of ammonia on the platinum catalysts, even in the presence of excess oxygen. The formation of ammonia from NO and the subsequent removal of NO through reaction with ammonia considerably improved the conversion of NO and the yield of N2. The presence of zirconia also improved the stability of the supported platinum against hydrothermal treatment.

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► Zirconia incorporated on silica improves the stability of platinum dispersed on it.
► Ammonia is produced over Pt(1.0)/Zr–SiO2 under excess oxygen.
► Pt/Zr–SiO2 exhibits good catalysis in the H2-SCR of NO at 75–150 °C.
► Zirconia incorporation improves platinum catalysts in the H2-SCR of NO.