The United States of America As Represented by the Administrator of the

United States of America As Represented by the Administrator of Nasa

Patricia P Davis

David R Schryer

Kenneth G Brown

Billy T Upchurch

Suresh Thakordas Gulati

Donald M Oglesby

Jeffrey D Jordan

Anthony Neal Watkins

Bradley D Leighty

Irvin M Miller

Jacqueline L Schryer

Jerry C Summers

John D Van Norman

David R Brown

George M Wood

Erik J Kielin

Christine M D'Ambrosia

Jacqueline L Schyryer

The invention described herein involves a novel approach to the production of oxidation/reduction catalytic systems. The present invention serves to stabilize the tin oxide reducible metal-oxide coating by co-incorporating at least another metal-oxide species, such as zirconium. In one embodiment, a third metal-oxide species is incorporated, selected from the group consisting of cerium, lanthanum, hafnium, and ruthenium. The incorporation of the additional metal oxide components serves to stabilize the active tin-oxide layer in the catalytic process during high-temperature operation in a reducing environment (e.g., automobile exhaust). Moreover, the additional metal oxides are active components due to their oxygen-retention capabilities. Together, these features provide a mechanism to extend the range of operation of the tin-oxide-based catalyst system for automotive applications, while maintaining the existing advantages.

Methodology for the effective stabilization of tin-oxide-based oxidation/reduction catalysts

Stabilized tin-oxide-based oxidation/reduction catalysts

Disclosed is a process for oxidizing volatile organic compounds to carbon dioxide and water with the minimal addition of energy. A mixture of the volatile organic compound and an oxidizing agent (e.g. ambient air containing the volatile organic compound) is exposed to a catalyst which includes a noble metal dispersed on a metal oxide which possesses more than one oxidation state. Especially good results are obtained when the noble metal is platinum, and the metal oxide which possesses more than one oxidation state is tin oxide. A promoter (i.e., a small amount of an oxide of a transition series metal) may be used in association with the tin oxide to provide very beneficial results.

Catalyst for oxidation of volatile organic compounds

A catalyst for the combination of CO and O.sub.2 to form CO.sub.2 which includes a platinum group metal--e.g., platinum; a reducible metal oxide having multiple valence states--e.g., SnO.sub.2 ; and a compound which can bind water to its structure--e.g., silica gel. This catalyst is ideally suited for application to high-powered, pulsed, CO.sub.2 lasers operating in a sealed or closed-cycle condition.

Catalyst for carbon monoxide oxidation

Growing community of inventors

Yorktown, VA, United States of America

Patricia P Davis