Unraveling the multi-pollutant removal using M-MoWTi (M = Fe, Mn, Cr) catalyst: experiment and mechanistic study of competition for active sites

Multi-pollutant removal (MPR) of NO and VOCs simultaneously is efficient of flue gas treatment in coal-fired power plants. But reducing the competition for active sites between NH 3 , NO, C 6 H 6 , and C 7 H 8 remains challenging. Herein, Cr, Mn, and Fe were respectively doped to MoWTi catalyst via wet impregnation. The Fe 3+ + Mo 5+ ↔ Fe 2+ + Mo 6+ redox cycle led to an increased proportion of low valence ions (Mo 5+ and W 5+ ) and facilitated the creation of active oxygen vacancies with several active sites. It also possessed plentiful mild to strong acid sites with ideal ratio. These factors enhanced catalytic activity of Fe-MoWTi. Remarkable MPR efficiencies of NO, C 6 H 6 , and C 7 H 8 were achieved under industrial SCR condition, characterized by low oxygen but high SO 2 levels at 340 °C, with removal rates reaching 89.85%, 97.57%, and 86.30% respectively. Theory calculations further revealed that Fe-MoWTi favor NH 3 and O 2 adsorptions. NO elimination was found to follow both Eley–Rideal (E-R) and Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) processes, supported by in situ DRIFTS analysis. The reactions involving NO/NO 2 /nitrite/nitrate occurred with NH 3 (ads)/ NH 4 + (ads)/NH 2 (ads). C 6 H 6 and C 7 H 8 underwent gradual oxidation, formatting alcohols, aldehydes, acids, and maleic acids, before eventually being mineralized to gaseous CO 2 and H 2 O. Findings hold significant potential for application, providing guidance for the development of catalysts with improved resistance against SO 2 poisoning and enhanced MPR capabilities. Graphical Abstract