Development of carbon supported metal catalysts for the simultaneous reduction of NO and N2O

The development of an activated carbon supported bimetallic catalyst for the simultaneous reduction of NO and N2O is described. Base metal catalysts were found to deactivate due to the oxidation of the metallic phase, suggesting the use of a noble metal. Platinum catalysts were very active for NO reduction, but they lacked selectivity towards N2, since N2O was produced. The association of Pt and K, a good N2O reduction catalyst, was capable of achieving the complete conversion of both gases at 350 °C, the catalyst being stable over extended periods of time (up to 17 h). A synergistic effect between Pt and K was observed, similar to the effect previously reported for Ni and K.