Solid State Electrochemical Cell for NOx Reduction

An electrochemical cell is presented which reduces NO_x emissions from a vehicle fueled by dedicated natural gas. The cell is comprised of a honeycomb shaped ceramic which is chemically coated with an electrically conductive material in two distinct regions which serve as electrodes such that, with the application of a voltage potential, a cathode and anode are formed. As the exhaust gas flows through the inner channels of the cell, the electrochemical reduction of NO_x at the cathode yields nitrogen gas and oxide ions. The nitrogen continues to flow through the cell while the oxide ions dissolve in the solid electrolyte. At the anodic zone, oxide ions are converted to oxygen gas.

The pressure drop across the cell was experimentally measured to insure that the back pressure created by the cell does not create a significant reduction in the efficiency of the engine. Parameters to be varied during testing of the cell's ability to reduce NO_x shall include the applied voltage potential, gas flow rate, and cell temperature. Results of this testing shall be used to optimize the cell for the NO_x levels, flow rates, and temperatures of the exhaust of a vehicle fueled by natural gas.