Optimization of catalytic properties for meso-porous titania by doping zirconium

A series of titania whiskers and Ti-Zr composite oxides were prepared by sol-gel method. Optimization of catalytic properties for meso-porous titania by doping zirconium was investigated. Effects of doping zirconium on crystal form, grain morphology, specific surface area and solid acidity of titania were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy disperse spectra (EDS), Fourier infrared spectroscopic analysis (FT-IR) with NH₃ as atom probe and N₂ physical adsorption (BET method). The results show that doping zirconium could prohibit crystal transformation from anatase to rutile, change the grain morphology, enhance the solid acidity and increase the specific surface area of titania. Consequently, the catalytic properties of titania were optimized. In the process of selective catalytic reduction of NO, with TiO₂ as denitration catalyst and NH₃ as reducing agent, doping zirconium widened the catalytic temperature range to high temperature by 50-100°C, and the biggest catalytic activity in the experimental temperature range was improved by 26.9%.