Development of Wire Mesh Catalyst for Catalytic Combustion

This study investigated the validity of a wire mesh catalyst support. The wire mesh was formed from JSE20-5USR stainless steel foil subjected to expansion processing. In a hydrogen atmosphere, an iron-aluminum intermetallic compound was deposited on the wire mesh surface using heat treatment, thereby producing fine aluminum oxide whiskers on the wire mesh surface. Subsequently, Pt and/or Pd was coated directly onto the whiskers. Structures of catalysts containing Pt and/or Pd were examined using XRD and SEM. The developed catalysts were applied to a burner that was fueled by vaporized kerosene-air mixtures. The combustion gases' chemical components were measured to evaluate the developed catalysts' activity. The same loading catalyst with Pt showed higher activity than that with Pd. Formation of either a catalyst loaded with Pt or Pt supported on a Pd layer is beneficial for reducing CO and NOx emissions in combustion gases and for maintaining stable combustion. This wire mesh catalyst is applicable for practical catalytic combustors of kerosene fuel. It presents particular advantages of good design flexibility and low pressure drop.