Simultaneous removal of naphthalene and NO x over V-Ce/Ti catalyst: Design of separated active sites for naphthalene degradation and SCR reaction

V-Ce/Ti catalysts were prepared for the removal of naphthalene and NO in the flue gas. The adverse effects of NH and NO on the naphthalene degradation were weakened on V-Ce/Ti, resulting in a decrease of only 2.5 % in CO selectivity. The formation of high molecular weight byproducts was also reduced. Besides the acid sites on the catalysts, Ce introduced new Brønsted basic sites, which could also adsorb and degrade naphthalene into naphthol effectively. With the separated active sites for naphthalene degradation and NO removal, the reaction between NH and the intermediates during the naphthalene degradation was also inhibited, decreasing the formation and accumulation of phthalimide. The oxidation of the intermediates was promoted by active V introduced by Ce, inhibiting the transformation of the intermediates to higher molecular weight byproducts. Nearly 100 % conversion of naphthalene and NO, as well as 40.1 % of the CO selectivity were obtained on V-Ce/Ti.