Copper Supported on Mesoporous Structured Catalysts for NO Reduction

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are one of the pollutants of greatest concern in terms of atmospheric contamination and, consequently, human health. The main objective of this work, is the synthesis of structured carbon catalysts, introducing on their surface metals and nitrogen groups, catalytically active in NO reduction. Structured catalysts represent an attractive alternative to powder catalysts because they have better thermal stability and lower pressure drop. The catalysts were synthesized by coating a melamine foam using precursor solutions of carbon xerogels with and without nitrogen (using melamine and urea as precursors), and impregnated with transition metals (Fe, Ni and Cu). The introduction of nitrogen and metals modified the textural properties of the materials. Samples synthesized with melamine presented the highest amount of nitrogen, while the highest content of copper, found to be the most active transition metal for NO reduction, was found in structured catalysts impregnated with urea. The presence of transition metals in catalysts is essential for the reduction of NO to N-2 and the introduction of nitrogenous precursors makes this evident. The synthesis and application of carbon-supported structured catalysts containing transition metals for NO reduction is demonstrated in this work for the first time, as well as the study of the factors influencing their performance.

Automated summary

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are pollutants that greatly impact atmospheric contamination and human health. This study focuses on synthesizing structured carbon catalysts with metals and nitrogen groups on their surface, which are catalytically active in reducing NO. The use of structured catalysts offers advantages in terms of thermal stability and pressure drop compared to powder catalysts. The introduction of nitrogen and metals modifies the properties of the catalyst, with copper being identified as the most active transition metal for NO reduction. This work demonstrates the synthesis and application of carbon-supported structured catalysts containing transition metals for NO reduction, as well as the investigation of factors influencing their performance.