Develops an exhaust gas purifier without catalyst

The Japan Industrial Technology Research Institute has successfully developed a new type of electrochemical reactor that can efficiently decompose and purify nitrogen oxides in diesel vehicle exhaust gas at low temperatures without using a catalyst.

The reactor can form a nanostructured electrode that can decompose nitrogen oxides in diesel exhaust gases with oxygen concentrations up to about 20% below 250°C. By applying a voltage to the electrode, it can decompose nitrogen oxides into nitrogen molecules and oxygen molecules without using a catalyst. The reactor also reduces the energy required for tail gas purification and helps improve fuel efficiency. The use of this reactor will create a system that combines environmental protection and carbon dioxide reduction, and will be expected to replace the existing diesel vehicle exhaust gas purification equipment.

The research institute will further reduce the operating temperature of the reactor, increase the integration of the reaction area, and practicalize the reactor to develop a comprehensive electrochemical exhaust gas purification equipment.