Redox reaction of nitric oxide and carbon monoxide over CuO-V2O5 system

Abstract

Modern industrialisation and enormous increase of automobiles account high degree of atmospheric pollution. Transportation based on fossil fuel combustion alone is a major source of air pollution, emitting noxious gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, unburned hydrocarbons among other species. The conversion of toxic gases into non-toxic products before discharging in the atmosphere, with suitable catalysts, is highly desired. Some countries have developed catalytic converters consisting of noble metals like platinum and platinum-palladinium alloys(1), which are not economical to the developing countries. Therefore, cheaper catalyst which can withstand high temperature and free from poisoning, is needed as substitute of the expensive automotive exhausts platinum catalyst.