Influence of copper loading on mesoporous alumina for catalytic NO reduction in the presence of CO

We report our investigation of copper loading on mesoporous alumina samples as a potential catalyst for simultaneous NO (Nitric oxide) and CO (carbon monooxide) redox reaction. The synthesised catalysts were carefully examined for their chemical phase and metal distribution within the mesoporous structure. At low copper loading within the support, majority of the copper ions were incorporated within the pore structure as independent ions and without any evidence of the formation of bulk copper-oxide. This observation was further substantiated by XPS and pore structure analysis. The catalyst's activity towards NO reduction was critically analysed and correlated to the catalyst loading, the number of active catalyst sites and theoretical catalyst surface area. The catalytic activity is described using L-H mechanistic model, with the reaction site activation and regeneration step playing a crucial role in determining the reaction kinetics.