Study by in situ FTIR of the SCR of NO by propene on Cu ion-exchanged Ti-PILC

Adsorption on Cu ion-exchanged titanium pillared clay (Cu-Ti-PILC) was investigated by in situ infrared spectroscopy to provide insight into the reaction intermediates present in the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO by propene in the presence of oxygen. The NO/O₂ adsorption produced different nitrate species due to the presence of terminal and bridged Cu²⁺–OH groups. These nitrates evolved into N₂ and N₂O in small amounts once the NO catalytic cycle was finished. It can be concluded that the Cu²⁺–OH groups reacted with the nitro group, thus forming nitrates. C₃H₆ adsorption was higher and stronger than NO adsorption on the active sites of the catalyst. C₃H₆ reacted in the active site producing hydrocarbon intermediates (an organic nitro compound and acetate), which were responsible for the NO reduction.