Catalytic emission control for alternative fuels

Research Project, 2009 – 2013

In recent years the global warming has become a topic of increasing attention. The use of bio fuels constitutes an attractive alternative and e.g. methanol and DME (dimethyl ether) can be produced via gasification of black liquor. The use of such fuels in efficient combustion engines, like the diesel- and lean-burn engines, which operates at oxygen excess, will significantly lower the CO2 emissions. However, emissions of several unwanted substances, like NOx, CO and partly oxidised fuel, will still be significant. The traditional three-way-catalyst can not reduce NOx to a significant extent in excess oxygen. Furthermore, the change of fuel may influence the catalytic activity and selectivity negatively and may also contribute to formation of other harmful substances. This emphasises the need for new catalytic techniques for emission control. The objective of this project is to increase the fundamental understanding of catalytic processes for methanol-SCR in order to improve the NOx reduction and reduce the emissions of harmful gas-phase species. Preparation and characterisation of catalysts, evaluation of catalytic properties and fundamental studies of reaction mechanisms are the main components in this programme. Linked to the project will be theoretical calculations on the stability of surface species on the catalyst and the combination of experimental methods and theory offers a unique possibility to reach a fundamental understanding of the catalytic processes.