Low-cost Mn-Ce/CuX catalyst from blast furnace slag waste for efficient low-temperature NH3-SCR

In this study, CuX zeolite supported Mn and/or Ce oxides catalysts were synthesized by combining ion exchange and impregnation methods, and the zeolite X was generated using blast furnace slag (BFS). Doping Mn-Ce oxides onto the CuX catalyst, which has excellent resistance to SO 2 +H 2 O, improved the catalyst's activity for NH 3 -SCR at lower temperature. In addition, electron transfer from Mn 4+ to Ce 3+ and Cu 2+ was enhanced, and the concentration of isolated Cu 2+ and chemisorbed oxygen species was higher in the Mn-Ce/CuX catalyst. Also, the Mn-Ce/CuX catalyst provided excellent SCR activity because of its high acid capacity, which allowed it to provide extra acid sites, and its high redox ability, which enhanced the re-oxidized and re-reduced cycles. Additionally, produced sulfates on the catalyst surface after SO 2 and H 2 O poisoning might occupy Cu 2+ active sites and affect the SCR process by competing with acid sites, nitrate species and intermediates on the Mn-Ce/CuX catalyst. • Mn or Ce/CuX catalysts were prepared successfully from blast furnace slag. • Effects of Cu sites and Mn-Ce addition on the properties of the catalyst were analyzed. • Relationship between the physicochemical properties and catalytic activities of the catalysts was revealed. • Mn-Ce/CuX catalyst had excellent low-temperature NH 3 -SCR activity and SO 2 or H 2 O resistance.