Simultaneous nitric oxide and toluene reduction over Pt-based catalyst

Abstract

This research investigates the simultaneous reduction of nitric oxide (NOx) and toluene using Pt-based catalysts, aiming at applications in small-scale industrial environmental processes. Catalysts with varying Pt loadings from 0.01 to 3 % were synthesized through wet impregnation, and their dispersion was assessed across several characterizations, revealing effective Pt dispersion even at loadings above 1 %. Under conditions of high toluene feed, the 3 % Pt-loaded catalyst emerged as the most efficient, achieving significant NOx and toluene conversion rates. The performance of this catalyst was thoroughly examined under various operational parameters including NO, toluene, O2 concentrations, gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) and reaction temperature. A short-stress test further underscored its effectiveness, with NOx and toluene conversions reaching 89.7 % and 97.6 %, respectively. Additionally, a preliminary process simulation of the NOx reduction by toluene indicated an energy efficiency improvement of over 8 % compared to conventional RCO and de-NOx processes. The findings suggest the catalyst's potential for NOx reduction in industrial settings, utilizing toluene present in flue gas without the need for additional commercial reducing agents.