Abstract
The trapping and regeneration of particulate matter (PM) viewed on the surface of diesel particulate catalyst-membrane filters (DPMFs) were investigated in detail using an all-in-focus optical microscope. To improve filtration efficiency, a SiC-DPMF with K-, Na-, and Cs-zeolite catalyst membranes was developed and successfully evaluated. Visualization results showed that trapped particulates were homogeneously distributed along the fine surface pores of the membrane's top surface. In the regeneration process, the particulates in contact with the DPMF might be oxidized first by the catalytic effect of zeolite particles and simultaneously pushed through by gas flow, resulting in continuous oxidation from the bottom of the soot cake. The activation energy of particulates on zeolite catalyst membranes was about 24 kJ/mol or 20% lower than that on a conventional SiC-DPF without catalyst.
