Sol-gel processed silica-alumina materials for diesel engine emission reduction catalysts

The incorporation of > 30% silica in alumina prior to platinum impregnation improves the NOx conversion efficiency in the 200-300 degrees C range from 45 to 57% and reduces light-off temperature. Further increase in the amoun t of silica to 50% is detrimental to NOx conversion efficiency. The H-1 and Si-29 NMR of the materials suggest that this trend is probably related to the surface acidity. The analyses of these materials by X-ray powder diffra ction and electron microscopy do not reveal significant differences. Additi onal NOx conversion in the 350-450 degrees C range with a maximum of 30% at 400 degrees C can be achieved if a rhodium-impregnated 30% silica-alumina, Rh-30% SiO2-Al2O3, is placed upstream of Pt-30% SiO2-Al2O3. it is importan t to note that mixing Pt-30% SiO2-Al2O3 with Rh-30%SiO2-Al2O3 does not enha nce conversion efficiency or effective temperature range.