Direct incorporating small amount of Ce (III) in Cu-SAPO-18 catalysts for enhanced low-temperature NH3-SCR activity: Influence on Cu distribution and Si coordination

The reduction of NO x emission during the cold start period of diesel vehicles requires special attention in accordance with the emission regulations. In this work, the direct incorporation of cerium and copper in SAPO-18 catalyst with AEI type framework structure (CuCe-SAPO-18) resulting in a substantial enhancement of the performance in the low-temperature NH 3 -SCR reaction (<200 ℃). A small amount of cerium (0.13–0.31 wt%) broadened the reaction temperature range of use and increased the hydrothermal stability of the catalyst considerably. The cerium species was introduced in the ion-exchange sites of Cu-SAPO-18 in the form of Ce 3+ ions even with high loading (3.15 wt%). The Ce 3+ ions were found to affect the distribution of silicon and aluminum atom coordination ( 29 Si NMR, 27 Al MAS NMR) in the AEI-type skeleton structure leading to an increase of both the amount of active Cu 2+ species and the acidity of the CuCe-SAPO-18 catalysts that are beneficial for the NH 3 -SCR reaction.