Phosphorous poisoning of automotive catalysts
EMSL Project ID
8593
Abstract
Phosphorous is contained in lube oil in the form of zinc dialkyldithiophosphate. Although progress has been made in reducing the total phosphorous in lube oil, it appears that it can not be completely eliminated because of its role in wear and friction reduction. Phosphorous is also a well known and well researched catalyst poison. We are trying to create a link between lube oil chemistry and engine condition to catalyst poisoning by measuring the chemistry and form of the phosphorous in the engine exhaust. This capability may allow us to have a better understanding of the chemical processes taking place in catalyst poisoning. This capability may also allow us to run more rapid screening tests, once linkages between exhaust chemistry and cayalyst poisoning have been established. From SEM and TEM analysis of diesel particulate, it appears that the phosphorous is present on the particulate as separate particles of various size and composition. Therefore, being able to sample and analyze the particles will be useful in our development of understanding of the processes. In addition, PNNL has unique surface and bulk analysis techniques that could also be applied to our poisoned catalysts.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2004-05-01
End Date
2005-12-28
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Related Publications
Yang Y, D Mei, CHF Peden, CT Campbell, and CA Mims. 2015. "Surface-Bound Intermediates in Low-Temperature Methanol Synthesis on Copper: Participants and Spectators." ACS Catalysis 5(12):7328-7337. doi:10.1021/acscatal.5b02060