Cu-BTC metal-organic framework as a novel catalyst for low temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO by NH3: Promotional effect of activation temperature

Metal-organic framework Cu-BTC was synthesized by hydrothermal method, and was employed as denitrification catalyst for low temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3 (NH3-SCR). After activated at different temperatures from 180 degrees C to 250 degrees C in vacuum, Cu-BTC samples were characterized by NH3-SCR test, X-ray powder diffraction, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscope and in situ Fourier-transform infrared. NO conversion results revealed that activation temperatures played a significant beneficial effect role in Cu-BTC catalytic performance for low temperature NH3-SCR reaction. The Cu-BTC catalyst pre-treated at 230 degrees C achieved a complete NO conversion efficiency with large operating-temperature window from 220 degrees C to 280 degrees C. This excellent catalytic activity was mainly attributed to the unsaturated Cu sites in Cu-BTC. The correlation between catalytic property and structure of Cu-BTC was discussed.