GOALI: High Stability Copper Zeolites for Lean NOx Automotive Catalysts

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge LA

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract Proposal Title: GOALI: High Stability Copper Zeolites for Lean NOx Automotive Catalysts Proposal Number: CTS-9980396 Principal Investigator: Geoffrey Price Institution: Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College The objective of this proposal is to develop metal ion exchange zeolite catalytic systems with enhanced performance for lean NOx engines. Emissions control for these types of engines suffer from the lack of a durable, active catalyst, which can operate in oxidizing exhaust. This project is a collaboration between LSU and General Motors. Most of the zeolite synthesis will be carried out at LSU, and GM will test the reactivity and investigate the reaction kinetics. Better understanding of methods of making SUZ-4 type zeolites for stability will be pursued. The most widely studied and promising NOx catalytic system uses an aluminum containing zeolite (MFI) with an ion-exchanged metal deposited on the acid sites within the zeolite pores. In preliminary work copper-loaded zeolite yielded relatively high activity for NOx decomposition. This work will be continued, and kinetic studies will be carried out. If successful, this project will assist in the development of a catalyst that will solve one of the main sources of atmospheric pollution, the emission of NOx by automotive sources.