From "poison gas killer" to environmental guardian: The counterattack of carbon monoxide catalyst

I. Development history: A century of exploration from laboratory to industrialization
At the end of the 19th century, scientists discovered that precious metals such as platinum and palladium can catalyze the oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) to carbon dioxide (CO₂), but the high cost limits its application. In the mid-20th century, copper-based and iron-based non-precious metal catalysts emerged, with lower costs but insufficient activity. Since the 21st century, nanotechnology and composite materials have emerged. By regulating the catalyst morphology (such as honeycomb structure) and surface active sites, the catalytic efficiency has exceeded 99%. Today's catalysts are both efficient and environmentally friendly, becoming the "standard" for industrial emission reduction.
2. Core features: efficient, durable, and green
High catalytic efficiency: The conversion rate of low-concentration CO exceeds 99%, and it can even treat high-concentration exhaust gas of 6000mg/m³.
Long life: The optimized catalyst life can reach 5 years, reducing the cost of frequent replacement.
Environmentally friendly and pollution-free: The reaction products are only CO₂ and water, no solid waste is generated, and it can be recycled and reused.
Strong anti-interference ability: Some catalysts remain stable in sulfur-containing environments (such as H₂S) and are suitable for complex working conditions.
3. Application scenarios: "Air purification network" covering production and life
Automobile exhaust purification: catalyze the conversion of CO into CO₂ to help automobile emissions meet standards.
Industrial waste gas treatment: Purify incompletely burned CO gas in chemical, pharmaceutical, metallurgical and other industries.
Waste incineration emission reduction: Solve the problem of excessive CO in incinerators (see below for case details).
Energy conversion: Used in fuel cells to improve energy conversion efficiency.
IV. Actual case: "Toxic gas transformation" of waste incineration plants
Due to incomplete combustion, the CO concentration in the waste gas of a certain waste incineration enterprise is as high as 6000mg/m³, far exceeding the environmental protection standard. By introducing a honeycomb ceramic monolithic catalyst (with precious metals as active components), CO oxidation is achieved below 250°C, and the final concentration is reduced to 30mg/m³, with an efficiency of 99.5%. The catalyst is also tolerant to sulfur-containing flue gas (H₂S＜50ppm), reducing operating costs by 30%6. This technology not only reduces air pollution, but also avoids companies being punished for non-compliance with emission standards, achieving a win-win situation for the environment and the economy.
5. Future Outlook: Nanotechnology and Intelligent Catalysis
Nano-upgrade: Nanoparticle catalysts have a larger specific surface area, more active sites, and the efficiency can be increased by 2-3 times.
Intelligent regulation: Dynamically adjust the catalytic reaction through external conditions such as light and heat to adapt to variable working conditions.
Resource recycling: The development of waste catalyst regeneration technology further reduces the cost of use.
From accidental discovery in the laboratory to the "environmental protection standard" in the industry, the evolution of carbon monoxide catalysts is a history of human struggle against pollution and pursuit of green. In the future, with the continuous innovation of technology, this "air guardian" may become the "key puzzle" of the carbon neutrality goal and protect more blue skies.