Experimental Investigation in Diesel Oxidation Catalyst by Developing a Novel Catalytic Materials for the Control of HC, CO and Smoke Emissions

Diesel-powered engines are used worldwide for efficient transportation and stationary power generation. The significant drawback of a diesel engine is its harmful emissions. The stringent emission norms enforced by the different organization demands effective catalyst system to control the gaseous emissions. Diesel oxidation catalysts are the extensively used technique for diesel engines to control HC and CO emissions. Currently the catalyst in the diesel oxidation system employs precious metals such as Pt/Pd/Rh to reduce the emissions and makes the DOC system expensive. This paper presents a cost-effective catalyst prepared to employ non-noble mixed oxides of copper and nickel supported on non-conventional support (i.e.) ceria doped calcium borophosphates (Ce-SCaPB). Initially, ceramic beads (5mm X 5mm) were coated with (Ce-SCaPB) support material. Secondly, the copper and nickel salts were deposited on the Ce-SCaPB coated ceramic beads and subsequently reduced and calcined. The crystallinity and phase formation was studied using XRD technique and SEM image showed particle size ranging between 40 - 50 nm. These catalyst coated beads were loaded into the fabricated DOC reactor and was retrofitted into the tailpipe of the engine exhaust. The experimental emission testing was carried out in a single-cylinder diesel engine coupled with eddy current dynamometer. In engine testing, catalytic material are tested individually to evaluate his reduction percentage. The engine test was conducted under different engine loads (0-100%) and the emission readings were taken for each load. Uncertainty analysis is calculated for the results and the results showed a higher reduction in CO, HC and smoke emissions.