Applications: The subject of the offer is a zeolite-based catalyst containing metal particles,
designed for selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides (SCR).

The problem of NOx emission

The removal of toxic nitrogen oxides (NO_X) from exhaust gases is one of the top environmental issues. NO_x affect the respiratory system causing a decrease in immunity and increase the risk of lung infection, as well as contribute to conjunctivitis or cancer diseases. In addition, nitrous oxide can participate in complicated photochemical reactions contributing to the formation of photochemical smog.

The main sources of nitrogen oxides are automotive engines, power plants, combined heat and power plants, waste incineration plants, small and medium power boilers, and nitric acid plants. The growing pressure of pro-environmental policy forces the search for and testing of new catalytic solutions for NO_x emission abatement.

Technology

The proposed solution is based on the pioneering method of deposition of metal particles on the surface of zeolite. The new method is based on the use of pulsed ultrasound waves, which allow obtaining a catalyst of better catalytic properties.

The essential advantages of the invention are the following:

• the reduced content of active material with respect to the total weight of the zeolite support and better catalytic properties;
• the tests of the reaction of selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides with ammonia revealed the selectivity to N₂ above 95% (within temperature range 150-500 °C);
• the synthesis allows to obtain the catalysts of an increased number of both types of active centers (Brønsted and Lewis type);
• in comparison to the reference material, the beneficial effect of the new method on the textural parameters (i.e. surface area, pore diameter) of the obtained catalyst is observed.

The offered solution is subject of a patent application. Further development of the invention is performed at the Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University. Currently, the Centre for Technology Transfer CITTRU is looking for entities interested in licensing and application of the technology described above.