High-efficiency removal of NOx using a combined adsorption-discharge plasma catalytic process

A combined adsorption-discharge plasma catalytic process was used for the removal of NO(x) using zeolites as catalysts without external heating. It was found that the types of plasma carrier gases exert great effect on the conversion of adsorbed NO(x). The conversion of adsorbed NO(x) is much lower in N(2) plasma than in Ar plasma, which is attributed to the reverse reaction, NO(x) formation reaction. The momentary increase of oxygen species derived from the decomposition of adsorbed NO(x) is considered to be the main cause as their collisions with nitrogen species can generate NO(x) again. Thus, solid carbon was added to the catalyst to act as a scavenger for active oxygen species to improve the conversion of adsorbed NO(x) in N(2) plasma. A NO(x) removal rate of 97.8% was obtained on 8.5wt.% carbon mixed H-ZSM-5 at an energy efficiency of 0.758 mmol NO(x)/W·h.