Cerium-Aluminum Composite Exhaust Catalyst for Low-Temperature NO Oxidation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catalysts for diesel engine exhaust gas purification, such as those described in JP2002-211908A (US2002/0090512A1), are inadequate in oxidizing nitrogen oxides (NOx) due to insufficient oxidation performance, particularly at low exhaust gas temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A catalyst layer containing platinum, palladium, and a cerium-aluminum composite oxide (CexAlyOz) with specific stoichiometric ratios (x>y, x+y=1, 1.95≤z≤2.05) is formed on a three-dimensional structure, leveraging lattice defects to enhance NO oxidation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a three-way catalyst with precious metal supported on composite oxide is used, then durability is improved, but oxidation performance (particularly NO oxidation performance) is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidoxidation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the support material by introducing a specific cerium-aluminum composite oxide with controlled Ce/Al ratio (x/y=2-10) and oxygen content (1.95≤z≤2.05 in CexAlyOz). This parameter optimization enhances the oxidation performance, particularly for NO oxidation, while preserving the durability provided by the composite oxide structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite material approach by combining cerium oxide and aluminum oxide in specific proportions to create a cerium-aluminum composite oxide. This composite support material provides both the durability of the oxide structure and the enhanced oxidation performance, particularly for NO oxidation, resolving the contradiction between durability and oxidation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If oxidation catalyst is used to supply NO2 for SCR reaction, then exhaust gas purification is improved, but at low temperatures the oxidation reaction from NO to NO2 is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexhaust gas purification efficiencyVSAvoidlow temperature oxidation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the oxygen content parameter of the cerium-aluminum composite oxide (controlling z value between 1.95 and 2.05 in CexAlyOz) to enhance the catalyst's ability to supply lattice oxygen. This parameter control enables efficient NO oxidation to NO2 even at low temperatures, improving exhaust gas purification efficiency without requiring high temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The cerium-aluminum composite oxide acts as an intermediary that facilitates the oxidation of NO to NO2 at low temperatures by providing lattice oxygen from its controlled oxygen content. This intermediary mechanism enables the oxidation reaction to proceed efficiently at temperatures where conventional catalysts fail, thereby improving overall exhaust gas purification efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The catalyst effectively oxidizes CO, HC, and NO, especially NO, in diesel engine exhaust gases, even at low temperatures, improving exhaust gas purification efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a catalyst layer containing platinum, palladium, a cerium-aluminum composite oxide or an aluminum oxide and a cerium-aluminum composite oxide is formed on a three-dimensional structure, and the cerium-aluminum composite oxide contains CexAlyOz (where x>y, x+y=1, and 1.95≤z≤2.05)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

a catalyst layer containing platinum, palladium, and a cerium-aluminum composite oxide or a cerium-aluminum composite oxide and an aluminum oxide, formed on a three-dimensional structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS20250242308A1Oxidation catalyst for exhaust gas purification and exhaust gas oxidation method using same
Publication Date: 2025.07.31 UMICORE SHOKUBAI JAPAN CO LTD

AI summary

The invention provides a catalyst capable of effectively oxidizing an exhaust gas (particularly NO). The invention relates to an oxidation catalyst for exhaust gas purification including a catalyst layer containing platinum, palladium, and a cerium-aluminum composite oxide or a cerium-aluminum composite oxide and an aluminum oxide, formed on a three-dimensional structure, in which the cerium-aluminum composite oxide contains CexAlyOz (where x>Y, x+y=1, and 1.95≤z≤2.05).