Promotion of Nb-Co3O4 chemical interfaces on N2 selectivity in selective catalytic oxidation of NH3 over cobalt-based catalysts

Co 3 O 4 catalysts possess high activity in selective catalytic oxidation of NH 3 (NH 3 -SCO), but the low N 2 selectivity hinders their potential application. To enhance N 2 selectivity, the chemical bonded Nb-O-Co catalyst by the deposition of Nb species onto Co 3 O 4 (Nb/Co 3 O 4 -0.03) is constructed. It shows 100 % NH 3 conversion and 82 % N 2 selectivity at 180°C, and the N 2 selectivity is 2.2-fold higher than that of Co 3 O 4 (38 %). The failure of enhancement in N 2 selectivity for physically mixed Co 3 O 4 and NbO x (NbO x |Co 3 O 4 -0.03) further indicates the crucial role of chemical bonded Nb-O-Co in enhancing N 2 selectivity. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectra and NH 3 temperature-programmed desorption results show the formation of new NH 3 adsorption sites. Importantly, intermediates NO - stabled on Nb/Co 3 O 4 -0.03 tends to react with -NH 2 to produce N 2 through internal selective catalytic reduction (iSCR). This work offers insights into enhancing the N 2 selectivity in NH 3 -SCO and advances understanding of iSCR mechanism.