August 2005
Inexpensive oxidation catalyst could reduce diesel emissions
It's not a new material, but a new application of silver hollandite could make a big impact in diesel emissions control. Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed an inexpensive method of synthesizing nano-sized silver hollandite and have found the material has unique catalytic properties that can completely oxidize nitrogens of oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. These chemical reactions caused by the silver hollandite are key to reducing pollutants in diesel engine emissions.
PNNL researchers have also discovered that silver hollandite is an excellent low-temperature sulfur oxides absorbent. Unlike most oxidation catalysts, which can be easily poisoned by sulfur oxides, silver hollandite maintains its catalytic activity even while it ages by absorbing sulfur oxides.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory researcher Liyu Li will be presenting his results at the 230th national meeting of the American Chemical Society at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 31