Pre-aged Ceria NOx Trap Catalyst Regeneration

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Solution Overview

Problem

NOx traps with high oxygen storage capacity require longer regeneration lengths, which is inefficient, and existing technologies do not effectively reduce this capacity while maintaining NOx activity.

Innovation Solution

A NOx trap catalyst with a first layer containing pre-aged ceria and a second layer with high surface area ceria, reducing the oxygen storage capacity by pre-aging the ceria-containing material before incorporation, thereby enhancing NOx activity and regeneration efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If fresh ceria-containing material is used in the NOx trap catalyst, then high oxygen storage capacity is achieved, but regeneration length becomes excessively long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxygen storage capacityVSAvoidregeneration length
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ceria-containing material is pre-aged before being incorporated into the NOx trap catalyst. This preliminary aging action reduces the oxygen storage capacity of the ceria material in advance, so that when the catalyst is installed, it already has reduced OSC without requiring extended regeneration periods. The pre-aging process is performed during manufacturing rather than during vehicle operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If pre-aged ceria-containing material is used to reduce oxygen storage capacity, then regeneration length is shortened, but NOx activity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregeneration lengthVSAvoidNOx activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the ceria-containing material through controlled pre-aging processes. By adjusting aging time, temperature, and atmospheric conditions, the oxygen storage capacity parameter is reduced while maintaining sufficient catalytic activity for NOx management. The pre-aging process modifies the crystal structure and surface properties of ceria to achieve the desired balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If high surface area ceria is used, then oxygen storage capacity increases, but regeneration efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxygen storage capacityVSAvoidregeneration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the surface area and particle size distribution parameters of the ceria-containing material through controlled milling and aging processes. By optimizing these parameters, the material achieves sufficient oxygen storage capacity while maintaining high regeneration efficiency. The pre-aging process creates a controlled surface morphology that facilitates efficient oxygen release during regeneration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 NOx trap catalyst achieves significant reduction in oxygen storage capacity, leading to shorter regeneration lengths and maintaining NOx activity, improving the efficiency of exhaust gas treatment systems.

Implementation Method 1

the first ceria-containing material is pre-aged prior to incorporation into the first layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal aging: Heat Treatment

Implementation Method 2

the NO2 is adsorbed by the NOx adsorbent in the form of an inorganic nitrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

nitric oxide reacts with oxygen to produce NO2 in the presence of the oxidation catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 4

the stored inorganic nitrates decompose to form NO or NO2 which are then reduced to form N2 by reaction with carbon monoxide, hydrogen and/or hydrocarbons in the presence of the reduction catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Data Source

PatentEP3910171B1Improved NOX trap
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 JOHNSON MATTHEY PLC

AI summary

A NOx trap catalyst is disclosed. The NOx trap catalyst comprises a first layer, the first layer comprising a first ceria-containing component having a surface area of less than 80 m2/g; a Ba/Ce/magnesium-aluminate spinel; platinum; palladium; and alumina; and a second layer, the second layer comprising a second ceria-containing component having a higher surface area than the first ceria-containing material present in the first layer; rhodium; and alumina.The invention also includes an exhaust system comprising the NOx trap catalyst, and a method for treating exhaust gas utilizing the NOx trap catalyst.