Catalytically Promoted NOx Sorption by ZrO2-Based Oxides

Metal promoted zirconia-based oxide sorbents, such as Pt–ZrO₂/Al₂O₃ for NO _x have been investigated. To clarify the role of the catalyst component, sorption of NO and NO₂ was compared using the samples with and without Pt. The catalytic oxidation of NO to NO₂ and successively to nitrate ions is an important role for the Pt catalyst. The experimental results indicate that a high-temperature calcination is essential to remove residual Cl from Pt–ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ prepared from H₂PtCl₆ in order to provide more active NO _x sorption sites. Of M–ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ samples investigated, ruthenium as well as Pt demonstrated relatively good performance as a catalyst component in the sorbent. The FT-IR spectra after sorption of NO and NO₂ demonstrated a strong band attributed to stored nitrate ions. The Pt catalyst was more resistant to sulfur poisoning than a base metal catalyst. However, the NO _x sorptive capacities of the Pt–ZrO₂/Al₂O₃ sorbents were expected to be deteriorated in dilute SO₂ as far as observed from FT-IR spectra.