Direct Decomposition of Nitric Oxide by Copper Containing ZSM-5

Currently there is an enormous demand for nitric oxide decomposition catalysts and hydrocarbon-based selective catalytic reduction catalysts to eliminate NO. The incorporation of copper atoms into the pores of ZSM-5 has endowed this solid with the catalytic ability for the direct decomposition of NO to N2 and O2. This report describes the synthesis, characterization, ion-exchange, and reactivity of several ZSM-5 samples prepared by various methods. ZSM-5 is prepared using TPA and also by template-free synthesis methods. Ion-exchange was performed using copper acetate and a copper ethylene complex. Reaction studies include determining rates and turnover frequencies for certain ZSM-5 samples. It was found that ion-exchange with copper ethylene almost doubled the copper weight percent and the reaction rate compared to samples exchanged with copper acetate, however, the turnover frequencies were similar.