Flexible Clean Propulsion Technologies

EFFECTS OF BIOFUEL-DERIVED IMPURITIES ON NH3-SCR CATALYST ACTIVITY AND DEACTIVATION

Author

Tytti Ristikaarto

Category

Publication channel

Keywords

Bio-based fuels; catalyst deactivation; Fe-SCR; sulphur poisoning; zeolite Beta; catalyst poisons

Year of the publication

2026

Citation

 

Ristikaarto, T. (2026). Effects of Biofuel-derived Impurities on NH3-SCR Catalyst Activity and Deactivation (Master’s thesis). University of Oulu. https://cleanpropulsion.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Tytti_thesis-1.pdf

Language

English

Related to:

Abstract

This Master’s thesis investigates the deactivation of Fe-based SCR catalysts exposed to impurities originating from bio-based fuels. The study focuses on Fe-SCR catalysts
supported on Beta zeolite and examines the combined effects of sulphur, alkali metals (Na, K, Ca) and phosphorus on catalytic performance and structural stability. Catalyst activity was evaluated through NOX, NH3 and N2O conversion measurements, while structural and surface changes were analysed using DRIFTS, BET, XRD and SEM– EDS. Deactivation was found to result from catalyst site poisoning and a loss of microporous surface area. The catalyst activity ranking of poisoned samples was K > Ca > S > P > Na. Sodium and phosphorus caused the strongest deactivation by suppressing catalyst activity and reducing zeolitic microporosity, whereas potassium and calcium do not have so significant impact.