Systems and Methods for Zero-PGM Binary Catalyst Having Cu, Mn, and Fe For TWC Applications

Abstract

Variations of bulk powder catalyst material including Cu—Mn, Cu—Fe, and Fe—Mn spinel systems for ZPGM TWC applications are disclosed. The disclosed bulk powder catalyst samples include stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric Cu—Mn, Cu—Fe, and Fe—Mn spinels on Pr 6 O 11 —ZrO 2 support oxide, prepared using incipient wetness method. Activity measurements under isothermal steady state sweep test condition may be performed under rich to lean condition. Catalytic activity of samples may be compared to analyze the influence that different binary spinel system bulk powders may have on TWC performance of ZPGM materials for a plurality of TWC applications. Stoichiometric Cu—Mn, Cu—Fe, and Fe—Mn spinel systems exhibit higher catalytic activity than non-stoichiometric Cu—Mn, Cu—Fe, and Fe—Mn spinel systems. The influence of prepared Cu—Mn, Cu—Fe, and Fe—Mn spinel systems may lead into cost effective manufacturing solutions for ZPGM TWC systems.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A catalytic system, comprising:
 a catalyst having the general formula A X B 3-X O 4 , wherein X may be less than or equal to 1.5 and wherein A and B are selected from the group consisting of Cu, Mn, and Fe; and   wherein the catalyst is substantially free of platinum group metals.   
     
     
         2 . The catalytic system of  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst is in spinel form. 
     
     
         3 . The catalytic system of  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst has the general formula Cu X Mn 3-X O 4  where 1.0≦X≦1.5. 
     
     
         4 . The catalytic system of  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst has the general formula Cu X Fe 3-X O 4  where 0.5≦X≦1.0. 
     
     
         5 . A catalytic system, comprising a catalyst having the general formula A X B 3-X O 4 , wherein A and B are selected from the group consisting of Cu, Mn, and Fe. 
     
     
         6 . The catalytic system of  claim 5 , wherein the catalyst is in spinel form. 
     
     
         7 . The catalytic system of  claim 5 , wherein the catalyst has the general formula Cu X Mn 3-X O 4  where 1.0≦X≦1.5. 
     
     
         8 . The catalytic system of  claim 5 , wherein the catalyst has the general formula Cu X Fe 3-X O 4  where 0.5≦X≦1.0.