Selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3 over Cr-ZSM-5 catalysts: General characterization and catalysts screening

Cr exchanged ZSM-5 catalysts (Cr/Al = 1) prepared by solid-state ion exchange were tested in SCR of NO with ammonia. Since CrCl3 precursor sublimates during the solid-state reaction, chromate species were stabilized in the exchange sites of H+-ZSM-5 (Si/Al = 15) and Cr2O3 formation is, therefore, limited. However, using Cr nitrate and NH4+-ZSM-5 (Si/Al = 26) zeolite, massive particles of alpha-Cr2O3 occupied the catalyst surface. At the contrary, well-dispersed particles of Cr2O3 were detected with H+-ZSM-5 and Cr nitrate precursor. Starting from Cr acetate precursor, agglomerates of amorphous oxide were detected with H+-ZSM-5 like support. In the temperature range 50-300 degrees C, Cr chloride and Cr nitrate precursors and H+-ZSM-5 led to highly active catalysts, while Cr nitrate and NH4+-ZSM-5 led to a poorly active catalyst. However, catalysts issued from Cr acetate are promising in SCR but inefficient agglomerates of oxide (amorphous or crystalline chromia) could be avoided with NH4+-ZSM-5 like support. Crown Copyright (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.