Sulfide catalysts for hydrogenating carbon monoxide

F O C U S Catalytica Energy Systems diesel fuel processor NOx reduction solution validated on a heavy-duty diesel engine Catalytica Energy Systems Inc announced successful completion of an initial round of full-scale engine tests conducted with a leading heavyduty diesel (HDD) engine manufacturer. These tests validated the previously reported subscale regeneration capabilities of the company’s diesel fuel processor technology (DFP), which is designed to enable a 90% reduction in NOx by improving NOx trap performance. NOx trap systems, also referred to as NOx adsorbers, are an EPA-preferred approach to meeting the EPA’s 2007/2010 NOx emissions regulations. These systems adsorb NOx in the exhaust and then convert the NOx to non-polluting nitrogen during a regeneration cycle. Catalytica Energy Systems’ DFP is designed to enable operation of NOx trap systems at low exhaust temperatures. The company’s DFP also converts diesel fuel into components that regenerate the NOx trap faster with improved fuel utilization and fuel economy. Testing of the company’s prototype DFP was recently performed on a more than 7 lt HDD engine. These initial tests focused on verifying operation at low exhaust temperatures. Test results demonstrated highly efficient, rapid NOx trap regeneration over a variety of operating conditions, resulting in NOx conversion in line with the EPA’s mandated emissions requirements for 2007/10. Importantly, Catalytica Energy Systems’ patented DFP yielded a dramatic improvement in fuel economy for NOx trap regeneration at critical low temperatures, compared to similar tests in which the diesel fuel was directly injected. Data gathered from these test activities will be used to further enhance the operating range and fuel economy of the system. While this first round of full-scale engine tests focused specifically on evaluating temperature and fuel economy performance, future development testing by Catalytica Energy Systems will also explore the DFP’s capability to enhance NOx trap durability. According to the EPA, improving the durability of the NOx

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adsorber, especially as it relates to desulfation, remains a fundamental hurdle to commercial NOx trap deployment. The company believes that its DFP could allow desulfation of the NOx trap at lower temperatures thus providing increased NOx trap durability. Catalytica Energy Systems designs, develops and manufactures advanced products for the energy and transportation industries with a focus on cost-effective solutions for improved performance and reduced emissions from combustion sources. Press release from Catalytica Energy Systems Inc, 1388, North Tech Boulevard, Gilbert, AZ 85233-1607, USA. Tel: +1 480 556 5555. Website: http://www.catalyticaenergy.com (22 Jul 2003)

Deep HDS process uses titania-based catalyst Hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts usually contain cobalt and molybdenum on alumina. Chiyoda Laboratory is developing a similar but better product on a titania base. The activity is 2-3 times higher than present commercial products. Commercialisation is expected in 2-3 years.

sulfur compounds. Better catalysts are the sulfides of Rh, Pd, Pt, and Hf, supported on a solid acid such as gamma alumina. These catalysts are very resistant to sulfur poisoning. US 6,605,647, 12 Aug 2003, Tohoku University, Japan

Titanium-containing epoxidation catalysts These catalysts are most effective if the titanium is introduced as an alkynyl alkoxide, eg made from propargyl alcohol, rather than as a simple alkoxide. US 6,605,733, 12 Aug 2003, MaruzenPetrochemical Co Ltd, Tokyo, Japan

Formulation of zeolite catalysts containing recycled material Attrition particles, arising either from the zeolite manufacturing process or recovered after use, are mixed with virgin zeolite and binder and then pelletised. US 6,605,749, 12 Aug 2003, ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc, Houston, TX, USA

Chemical Engineering (New York), June 2003, 110 (6), 19

Manufacture of hydrogen from aqueous ethanol

PATENTS Dimethyl ether reforming catalyst The purpose of this invention is to make a hydrogen-rich gas from dimethyl ether, for use in a fuel cell. The catalyst is copper plus a second transition metal (eg Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) deposited on a solid acid such as zeolite ZSM-5. Dimethyl ether would make a convenient fuel because it is easy to transport, store, and handle. US 6,605,559, 12 Aug 2003, Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd, Japan

Sulfide catalysts for hydrogenating carbon monoxide The purpose of this invention is to make methanol or dimethyl ether from carbon monoxide. Metallic catalysts are usually used for this (eg Cu, Fe, Co) but they are easily poisoned by

Aqueous ethanol, in the proportions obtained by distilling fermentation liquors, is reformed to hydrogen plus carbon dioxide over a nickel/lanthana catalyst. The hydrogen is separated from the carbon dioxide and used in a fuel cell. US 6,605,376, 12 Aug 2003, Helbio SA Hydrogene and Energy Production Systems, Athens, Greece

Nanocrystalline cerium zirconium composite oxide as an auto exhaust catalyst Ceria/zirconia exhaust catalysts, as conventionally made, are physical mixtures of the two oxides. If they are made by co-precipitation in the presence of hydrazine and then calcining, the product is nanoparticulate and of a single phase characterised by an X-ray diffraction pattern. US 6,605,565, Shanghai Yue Long Non-Ferrous Metals Ltd, Shanghai, China

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