Reduction of Nitrogen Monoxide by Charcoal

Abstract

The reactivity of nitrogen monoxide (NO) with several kinds of commercial charcoals for the fuel use was examined at 300-500°C by using a pulse reaction technique (Table 1). Among the charcoals studied mitsumata (Edgeworthia) charcoal that contained the highest level of potassium exhibited the highest activity for reduction of NO into N₂. The NO-C reaction was remarkably enhanced by Cu-Cr metal loaded on charcoals. Conversion of NO significantly increased in the presence of propene because, in addition to the NO-C reaction, the NO-propene reaction was promoted by potassium present in the charcoal (Table 2).