Effect of thermal ageing on the nature of iron species in Fe-BEA

Journal article, 2013

The adsorption of NH3 and NO over fresh and thermally treated Fe-BEA catalysts were studied using in situ DRIFT spectroscopy to follow the evolution of different iron species before and after thermal treatment. Fe-BEA samples were prepared and thermally treated in air at 700 °C for 12, 24 and 48 h, and at 800 and 900 °C for 48 h. Compared to the fresh sample, the NH3 adsorption experiments indicate dealumination of the zeolite and iron oxide particle growth for the aged samples. Furthermore, the NO adsorption experiments show distinct absorption peaks which are assigned to isolated iron species, iron clusters and larger iron oxide particles. The thermally treated samples show migration of isolated iron species from the zeolite pores forming iron oxide particles. Further ageing results in a continuous migration and formation of larger iron oxide particles located on the external surface of the zeolite.