Zero-PGM Catalyst Washcoat Optimization for Adhesion and Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional catalyst systems fail to achieve optimal washcoat adhesion and cohesion on metallic substrates, leading to inefficiencies in hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) conversion, and washcoat adhesion loss, which affects the performance of exhaust emission control systems.

Innovation Solution

Optimization of Zero-PGM washcoat (WC) and overcoat (OC) loadings on metallic substrates using a combination of silver and copper oxide catalysts, with alumina as a support oxide, employing co-milling or co-precipitation techniques, to determine the optimal WC:OC ratio through regression models, resulting in improved adhesion and enhanced HC and CO conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional washcoat and overcoat loading methods are used, then the catalyst layer can be formed, but the washcoat adhesion and cohesion properties are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashcoat adhesionVSAvoidcoating uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the loading concentration parameters of washcoat and overcoat to specific ranges (washcoat: 60-200 g/L, overcoat: 60-200 g/L) to achieve both good adhesion and uniform coating. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal balance point where adhesion strength and coating uniformity are simultaneously improved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material formulations combining support oxide (alumina) with Zero-PGM catalysts (silver, copper oxide, ceria) in both washcoat and overcoat layers. This composite approach enhances both the adhesion properties and the uniformity of the coating by creating a synergistic material system that adheres better while maintaining consistent application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If washcoat and overcoat loadings are not optimized, then the coating process is simple, but the HC and CO conversion performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHC and CO conversion efficiencyVSAvoidloading optimization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes specific loading concentration ranges (60-200 g/L for both washcoat and overcoat) that optimize catalyst activity for HC and CO conversion. By defining these parameter ranges, the patent achieves high conversion efficiency while managing the complexity through systematic parameter optimization rather than trial-and-error approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs regression models to analyze the relationship between loading concentrations and conversion performance, using this feedback information to determine optimal loading parameters. This systematic approach balances the need for high productivity with manageable complexity by using data-driven optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Strength

If higher washcoat loading is used to improve adhesion, then adhesion strength increases, but adhesion loss may increase without proper optimization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashcoat adhesion strengthVSAvoidwashcoat adhesion loss
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes washcoat loading to a specific range (60-200 g/L) that achieves sufficient adhesion strength while preventing excessive adhesion loss. This parameter optimization ensures that the washcoat adheres strongly enough to the substrate and overcoat without becoming overly thick or prone to delamination, resolving the contradiction between strength and loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The composite formulation of washcoat containing support oxide (alumina) and Zero-PGM catalysts (silver, ceria) creates a material system with optimized adhesion characteristics. This composite structure provides both the strength needed for strong bonding and the appropriate mechanical properties to minimize adhesion loss under operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If conventional catalyst materials are used, then the system is simple, but the adhesion between washcoat and substrate/overcoat is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterlayer adhesionVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material formulations in both washcoat and overcoat layers, combining support oxide (alumina) with Zero-PGM catalysts (silver, copper oxide, ceria). These composite materials provide inherent adhesion promotion at the interfaces between substrate-washcoat and washcoat-overcoat, achieving reliable interlayer adhesion while managing formulation complexity through systematic material selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 optimized WC and OC loadings significantly increase HC and CO conversion efficiency and minimize washcoat adhesion loss, achieving better performance in exhaust gas treatment from internal combustion engines.

Implementation Method 1

The catalyst materials produced by conventional methods may fail to provide a catalyst layer having good adhesion and cohesion properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

enhanced performance of HC and CO conversion for controlling exhaust emissions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS9545626B2Optimization of Zero-PGM washcoat and overcoat loadings on metallic substrate
Publication Date: 2017.01.17 CDTI ADVANCED MATERIALS INC
  • US9545626B2 patent drawing
  • US9545626B2 patent drawing
  • US9545626B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure refers to a plurality of process employed for optimization of Zero-PGM washcoat and overcoat loadings on metallic substrates. According to an embodiment a substantial increase in conversion of HC and CO may be achieved by optimizing the total washcoat and overcoat loadings of the catalyst. According to another embodiment, the present disclosure may provide solutions to determine the optimum total washcoat and overcoat loadings for minimizing washcoat adhesion loss. As a result, may increase the conversion of HC and CO from discharge of exhaust gases from internal combustion engines, optimizing performance of Zero-PGM catalyst systems.