In situ DRIFTS study during C2H4-SCR of NO over Co-ZSM-5

The formation of surface intermediates and their reactivities with some reactant gases during the selective catalytic reduction of NO with ethylene (C2H4-SCR) over Co-ZSM-5 was investigated systematically by in situ diffused reflectance infrared Fourier transformed spectroscopy. Some new IR bands relevant to the surface intermediates formed in the title reaction were identified. The results show that formate species, formed during the partial oxidation of ethylene over Co-ZSM-5, is reactive towards nitrates to yield formyl nitro compound, an intermediate critical for the formation of cyanide and isocyanate species by further reacting with nitrates. Kinetics analysis suggests that the cyanide and isocyanate at different sites vary in reactivity towards nitrates. The Co2+–CN and Al3+–NCO species subsequently react with nitrates for final production of N2, CO2 and H2O, however, the –CN bound to Brønsted and Lewis acid sites show poor reactivity towards a flow of NO + O2/He. On the basis of these investigations, a proposed reaction mechanism explains the formation and roles of all intermediates detected by IR spectroscopy in this study.

The selective catalytic reduction of NO by ethylene has been investigated over Co-ZSM-5 by using in situ DRIFTS. Formate species are reactive towards nitrates to form formyl nitro compound, a precursor for formation of cyanide and isocyanate species. Kinetics analysis suggests that the cyanide and isocyanate at different sites vary in reactivity towards nitrates.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide