Unmet NeedNitrogen oxides (NO
x) are compounds composed of nitrogen and oxygen. Typically found as exhaust gas, NO
x are a major greenhouse gas emitted from automobiles and power plants using coal as fuel. NO
x are a major environmental pollutant, which causes acid rain, photochemical smog, and harmful effects on human health. The decomposition of NO
x is impeded by a high activation energy barrier (around 150 kJ/mol), which requires high temperatures for thermal NO decomposition. Hence, in order to decrease such high activation energy barrier with low energy consumption, it is necessary to develop efficient catalysts for direct NO decomposition at low temperatures.
Technology OverviewDirect NO
x decomposition has been proven to be the most efficient deNO
x pathway. Inventors from Johns Hopkins University have recently achieved direct NO
x decomposition through hydrogen reduction and helium thermal pretreatment methods. Under the condition of hydrogen reduction and helium thermal treatment in this invention, the catalysts are activated and possess effective deNO
x ability. Tests were conducted at temperatures ranging from 30
oC to 300
oC and inventors found deNO
x activity could be achieved at temperatures as low as 30
oC. At temperatures under 300
oC, catalysts that underwent the pretreatment method achieved full conversion of NO
x at around 20 hours.
Stage of DevelopmentSystem has been proposed and working version is completed.
