Highly efficient MnOx catalysts supported on Mg-Al spinel for low temperature NH3-SCR

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) has been extensively employed in industries for the removal of NOx while it is still a challenge to develop novel low-temperature catalysts. The redox and acid sites on the catalyst are often preconditions that cooperate in the SCR reaction. In this study, a series of MnOx supported on MgAl2O4 spinel catalysts (denoted as Mn/MAS) were successfully prepared by incipient wetness impregnation method for low-temperature SCR of NOx with ammonia. The effects of the calcination temperature of MAS support and Mn loading on catalyst structure and performance were examined. The Mn0.12/MAS-700 catalyst showed the best low-temperature denitrification performance, with more than 80% conversion of NO at 150–300 °C and higher than 60% N2 selectivity. Moreover, the denitrification efficiency remained at nearly 90% in the presence of H2O. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were determined using various characterization methods, and the corresponding results found that the higher concentration of Mn4+ and surface chemisorption oxygen enhanced the low-temperature activity of the catalysts. The addition of Mn species increased the surface acidity of weak acid centers which promoted the catalyst activity. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (in situ DRIFTS) revealed that the Eley-Rideal mechanism was introduced mainly at 100 °C on the Mn0.12/MAS-700 catalyst. This work provides new inspiration into the effect of Mn species, and the synergistic role of active components Mn and MAS support in the SCR reaction. [Display omitted] •The MnOx supported on Mg-Al spinel exhibited superior low-temperature activity and N2 selectivity.•The optimal catalyst Mn0.12/MAS-700 showed excellent H2O resistance.•The balance of redox capacity and acid sites was considered as crucial factor.•The Eley-Rideal mechanism dominated in the SCR reaction.