Removal of NO over carbon-supported copper catalysts .1. Reactivity of NO with graphite and activated carbon

The copper-catalysed reduction of NO with carbon has been studied over copper-loaded carbon materials (graphites and activated carbon). Characterization of the different preparations has been carried out by X-ray diffraction, temperature-programmed reduction in hydrogen and surface reaction of NO. The copper loading, the nature of the copper phase, the presence of functional groups on the surface of the carbons, the structure of the carbon (graphite or activated carbon) and the reaction temperature, have been related to the catalytic performance of the different carbon-supported copper samples. High catalytic activity may be achieved over low copper-loaded high surface area graphite with the surface covered with oxygen functional groups.