Our group is preparing catalytic aerogels for the purpose of automotive exhaust remediation and developing the Union Catalytic Testbed (UCaT), a benchtop scale testbed for analyzing the performance of these materials. UCaT simulates operating conditions within the exhaust system of a gasoline-powered automobile and is used to evaluate the catalytic efficiency of aerogel samples. The primary goal of this catalytic aerogels research is to provide an alternative to materials used in commercially available three-way catalysts (TWCs). Catalytic converters utilize precious metals to convert harmful byproducts of combustion, such as NOx, CO, and unburned hydrocarbons (UHCs), to inert compounds before their release into the environment. Currently, the UCaT detection system consists of a five-gas analyzer, which is the type of device used in a mechanic’s shop to deem a car road-worthy during inspection. The five-gas analyzer detects NO, CO, UHCs (propane), CO2, and O2. On one hand, capabilities of the five-gas analyzer provide for a thorough analysis of five important gases. On the other hand, the detection system limits the range of analysis that can be completed with the UCaT instrument to these five gases. An additional detection system coupled with the five-gas analyzer would allow us to monitor the chemistry of aerogel catalysis. To this end, a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) system is being repurposed to probe for additional compounds present in the effluent exhaust flow of the UCaT reaction chamber. Technical specifications of the GC/MS system will not permit implementation of a packed column, however capillary porous layer open tubular (PLOT) columns provide for separation of both permanent gases as well as other volatile hydrocarbons. Integration of the GC/MS system with the UCAT instrument should provide for a more comprehensive analysis of the compounds formed as a result of aerogel catalysis mechanisms.

Interfacing GC-MS with a catalytic testbed for analysis of aerogel materials

251st National Meeting (2016)

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