Volatile organic compounds in wintertime North China Plain: Insights from measurements of proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS)

The characteristics of wintertime volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the North China Plain (NCP) region are complicated and remain obscure. VOC measurements were conducted by a proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS) at a rural site in the NCP from November to December 2018. Uncalibrated ions measured by PTR-ToF-MS were quantified and the overall VOC compositions were investigated by combining the measurements of PTR-ToF-MS and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer/flame ionization detector (GC-MS/FID). The measurement showed that although atmospheric VOCs concentrations are often dominated by primary emissions, the secondary formation of oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs) is non-negligible in the wintertime, i.e., OVOCs accounts for 42% ± 7% in the total VOCs (151.3 ± 75.6 ppbV). We demonstrated that PTR-MS measurements for isoprene are substantially overestimated due to the interferences of cycloalkanes. The chemical changes of organic carbon in a pollution accumulation period were investigated, which suggests an essential role of fragmentation reactions for large, chemically reduced compounds during the heavy-polluted stage in wintertime pollution. The changes of emission ratios of VOCs between winter 2011 and winter 2018 in the NCP support the positive effect of “coal to gas” strategies in curbing air pollutants. The high abundances of some key species (e.g. oxygenated aromatics) indicate the strong emissions of coal combustion in wintertime of NCP. The ratio of naphthalene to C8 aromatics was proposed as a potential indicator of the influence of coal combustion on VOCs.     

Air pollutant emissions from the asphalt industry in Beijing, China

Improving our understanding of air pollutant emissions from the asphalt industry is critical for the development and implementation of pollution control policies. In this study, the spatial distribution of potential maximum emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the complete life cycle of asphalt mixtures, as well as the particulate matter (PM), asphalt fume, nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), VOCs, and benzoapyrene (BaP) emissions from typical processes (e.g., asphalt and concrete mixing stations, asphalt heating boilers, and asphalt storage tanks) in asphalt mixing plants, were determined in Beijing in 2017. The results indicated that the potential maximum emissions of VOCs in the complete life cycle of asphalt mixtures were 18,001 ton, with a large contribution from the districts of Daxing, Changping, and Tongzhou. The total emissions of PM, asphalt fume, NMHC, VOCs, and BaP from asphalt mixing plants were 3.1, 12.6, 3.1, 23.5, and 1.9 × 10^?3 ton, respectively. The emissions of PM from asphalt and concrete mixing stations contributed the most to the total emissions. The asphalt storage tank was the dominant emission source of VOCs, accounting for 96.1% of the total VOCs emissions in asphalt mixing plants, followed by asphalt heating boilers. The districts of Daxing, Changping, and Shunyi were the dominant regions for the emissions of PM, asphalt fume, NMHC, and BaP, while the districts of Shunyi, Tongzhou, and Changping contributed the most emissions of VOCs.     

Distribution and origin of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments from an urban river basin at the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, Brazil

The concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in surface sediment samples from nine sites located at the Iguac?u River Basin in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, Brazil to evaluate their distribution and sources. The total concentration of the PAHs was greater for sediments from highly urbanized areas, while the sediments from the Ira′? Environmental Protection Area (Ira′? EPA) showed significantly low concentrations. The sediments from the Iguac?u and Barigui rivers were classified as highly contaminated, while those from the Cercado and Curralinho rivers were classified as moderately contaminated. The predominance of PAHs containing two to four aromatic rings in most of the samples suggested the direct input of raw sewage into the water resources evaluated. Benzo[g,h,i]perylene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene were predominant in sediments from the areas under the greatest urban and industrial development. The correlation between thermodynamic stability and the kinetics of evolution presented by the isomeric pairs indicated that combustion is the predominant source of PAHs in the sediments because the combustion of fossil fuels affected most of the points evaluated, followed by combustion of biomass and eventually combustion of oil product inputs. In general, the results showed that areas under strong urban influence, as well as the Ira′? EPA, receive contributions of PAHs from similar sources.     

Wheat straw return can lead to biogenic toluene emissions

As a common practice in agricultural system, straw return has been reported to release a large number of trace gases and attracted much attention. However, the role of straw return in toluene emission remains poorly understood. In this study we measured the emissions of toluene as well as other 50 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from wheat straw return for 66 days under flooded and non-flooded conditions, respectively. The results showed that substantial toluene was released from the returned ...     

Effects of Ce on catalytic combustion of methane over Pd-Pt/Al2O3 catalyst

Activity and stability of 1%Pd-0.2%Pt/Al₂O₃ and 1%Pd-0.2%Pt/0.6%Ce/Al₂O₃ catalysts prepared by impregnation method for catalytic combustion of methane in air were investigated. The catalysts before and after reaction were characterized by BET, CO chemisorption, XRD and XPS techniques. Results showed that the presence of Ce significantly increased the activity and thermal stability of the Pd-Pt/Al₂O₃ catalyst towards methane combustion, which could be attributed to more highly-dispersed active PdO particles over the Pd-Pt/Ce/Al₂O₃ catalyst surface as well as the retarded sintering of PdO and the maintained oxidized state of surface Pd during the combustion process in the presence of Ce.     

Chemical composition and properties of ashes from combustion plants using Miscanthus as fuel

Miscanthus giganteus is one of the energy crops considered to show potential for a substantial contribution to sustainable energy production. In the literature there is little data available about the chemical composition of ashes from the combustion of Miscanthus and practically no data about their physical properties. However, for handling, treatment and utilization of the ashes this information is important. In this study ashes from two biomass combustion plants using Miscanthus as fuel were investigated. The density of the ashes was 2230 ± 35 kg/m~3, which was similar to the density of ashes from straw combustion. Also the bulk densities were close to those reported for straw ashes. The flowability of the ashes was a little worse than the flowability of ashes from wood combustion. The measured heavy metal concentrations were below the usual limits for utilization of the ashes as soil conditioner. The concentrations in the bottom ash were similar to those reported for ash from forest residue combustion plants. In comparison with cyclone fly ashes from forest residue combustion the measured heavy metal concentrations in the cyclone fly ash were considerably lower. Cl-, S and Zn were enriched in the cyclone fly ash which is also known for ashes from wood combustion. In comparison with literature data obtained from Miscanthus plant material the concentrations of K, Cl-and S were lower.This can be attributed to the fact that the finest fly ash is not collected by the cyclone de-dusting system of the Miscanthus combustion plants.     

Pioneering observation of atmospheric volatile organic compounds in Hangzhou in eastern China and implications for upcoming 2022 Asian Games

Understanding the emission sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is critical for air pollution mitigation. Continuous measurements of atmospheric VOCs were conducted from January to February in Hangzhou in 2021. The average measured concentration of total VOCs (TVOCs) was 38.2 ± 20.9 ppb, > 42% lower than that reported by previous studies at the urban center in Hangzhou. The VOC concentrations and proportions were similar between weekdays and weekends. During the long holidays of the Spring Festival in China, the concentrations of TVOCs were ∼50% lower than those during the regular days, but their profiles showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Further, we deduced that aromatics and alkenes were the most crucial chemicals promoting the formation of O₃ and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in Hangzhou. According to interspecies correlations, combustion processes and solvent use were inferred as major VOC emission sources. This study provides implications for air quality improvements before and during the upcoming Asian Games that will be hosted in Hangzhou in 2022.     

Characteristics of one-year observation of VOCs, NOx, and O3 at an urban site in Wuhan, China

A continuous online observation of ozone and its precursors(NOx, VOCs) was carried out in central urban Wuhan from September 2016 to August 2017. The concentration levels of ozone,NOx, VOCs and their variations in urban Wuhan were analyzed, as well as effects of VOCs on ozone photochemical generation and the main controlling factors for ozone production. During the observation period, the average concentrations of ozone and NOx in Wuhan was 22.63 and30.14 ppbv, respectively, and the average concentration of VOCs was 32.61 ppbv(42.3% alkanes,13.0% alkenes, 10.0% aromatics, 7.3% acetylene, 9.9% OVOCs, and 10.5% halohydrocarbons).Ozone concentration was higher in spring and summer as compared with autumn and winter,wheras VOCs and NOx concentratios were lower in spring and summer but higher in autumn and winter. Aromatics and alkenes, two of VOCs species, showed the highest contributions to ozone formation potential in Wuhan(35.7% alkenes, 35.4 aromatics, 17.5% alkanes, 8.6% OVOCs,1.6% halogenated hydrocarbons, and 1.4% acetylene). Among all VOCs species, those with the highest contribution were ethylene, m-xylene, toluene, propylene and o-xylene. The contribution of these five compounds to the total ozone formation potential concentration was 43.90%.Ozone-controlling factors in Wuhan changed within one day; during the early morning hours(6:00–9:00), VOCs/NOx was low, and ozone generation followed a VOCs-limited regime.However, during the peak time of ozone concentration(12:00–16:00), the ratio of VOCs/NOx was relatively high, suggesting that ozone generation followed a NOx-limited regime.     

Adsorption of benzene, cyclohexane and hexane on ordered mesoporous carbon

Ordered mesoporous carbon(OMC) with high specific surface area and large pore volume was synthesized and tested for use as an adsorbent for volatile organic compound(VOC)disposal. Benzene, cyclohexane and hexane were selected as typical adsorbates due to their different molecular sizes and extensive utilization in industrial processes. In spite of their structural differences, high adsorption amounts were achieved for all three adsorbates, as the pore size of OMC is large enough for the access of these VOCs. In addition, the unusual bimodal-like pore size distribution gives the adsorbates a higher diffusion rate compared with conventional adsorbents such as activated carbon and carbon molecular sieve. Kinetic analysis suggests that the adsorption barriers mainly originated from the difficulty of VOC vapor molecules entering the pore channels of adsorbents. Therefore, its superior adsorption ability toward VOCs, together with a high diffusion rate, makes the ordered mesoporous carbon a promising potential adsorbent for VOC disposal.     

Oxidation of diesel soot on binary oxide CuCr(Co)-based monoliths

Binary oxide systems(Cu Cr2O4, Cu Co2O4), deposited onto cordierite monoliths of honeycomb structure with a second support(finely dispersed Al2O3), were prepared as filters for catalytic combustion of diesel soot using internal combustion engine’s gas exhausts(O2, NOx, H2 O, CO2) and O3 as oxidizing agents. It is shown that the second support increases soot capacity of aforementioned filters, and causes dispersion of the particles of spinel phases as active components enhancing thereby catalyst activity and selectivity of soot combustion to CO2. Oxidants used can be arranged with reference to decreasing their activity in a following series: O3 NO2> H2 O > NO > O2> CO2. Ozone proved to be the most efficient oxidizing agent: the diesel soot combustion by O3 occurs intensively(in the presence of copper chromite based catalyst) even at closing to ambient temperatures.Results obtained give a basis for the conclusion that using a catalytic coating on soot filters in the form of aforementioned binary oxide systems and ozone as the initiator of the oxidation processes is a promising approach in solving the problem of comprehensive purification of automotive exhaust gases at relatively low temperatures, known as the "cold start" problem.     

整体式分子筛基催化剂制备及其微波催化燃烧VOCs

以整体式蜂窝状分子筛为载体,制备铜锰铈负载型催化剂,研究其微波辐照下对VOCs （甲苯、丙酮、乙酸乙酯）的催化活性及其稳定性,探究影响催化剂活性的因素,并通过测试床层温度分布进行分析.研究表明,微波功率1.3kW、催化剂体积300mm×300mm×300mm,固定床温度>300℃条件下,催化剂对初始浓度200~2000mg/m³的5m³/h VOCs气体的降解效率为80%~92%.温度是VOCs氧化降解的条件,但当床层温度超过了300℃（VOCs完全燃烧温度）之后,升温对VOCs降解效率的影响不再明显.表征可知,尖晶石态铜锰铈单金属氧化物及其复合氧化物是主要的催化活性组分.VOCs在催化剂表面进行准一级反应而被催化氧化;高温对催化剂结构有一定影响,但重复性试验证实了催化剂的高活性和良好的稳定性.     

整体式分子筛基催化剂制备及其微波催化燃烧VOCs

以整体式蜂窝状分子筛为载体,制备铜锰铈负载型催化剂,研究其微波辐照下对VOCs （甲苯、丙酮、乙酸乙酯）的催化活性及其稳定性,探究影响催化剂活性的因素,并通过测试床层温度分布进行分析.研究表明,微波功率1.3kW、催化剂体积300mm×300mm×300mm,固定床温度>300℃条件下,催化剂对初始浓度200~2000mg/m³的5m³/h VOCs气体的降解效率为80%~92%.温度是VOCs氧化降解的条件,但当床层温度超过了300℃（VOCs完全燃烧温度）之后,升温对VOCs降解效率的影响不再明显.表征可知,尖晶石态铜锰铈单金属氧化物及其复合氧化物是主要的催化活性组分.VOCs在催化剂表面进行准一级反应而被催化氧化;高温对催化剂结构有一定影响,但重复性试验证实了催化剂的高活性和良好的稳定性.     

Low-temperature VOCs oxidation performance of Pt/zeolites catalysts with hierarchical pore structure

Different zeolites supported Pt catalysts with micro-mesoporous structure were prepared by organic base tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) treatment and their catalytic oxidation activity for various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were evaluated. The results reveal that the synergistic effect between Pt nanoparticles and surface acid sites plays an important role in VOCs low-temperature removal. The small size and high dispersion of Pt nanoparticles on the surface of the zeolites would promote the catalytic oxidation of aromatics and alkanes over the Pt/zeolite catalysts, while strong acidity and abundant acid sites of catalysts are in favour of the oxidation of the VOCs containing N and O heteroatoms. In addition, it was found that Pt/ZSM-5 catalyst exhibits the highest oxidation activity for various VOCs low-temperature removal amongst all the catalysts due to the balance of both Pt dispersion and abundant acid sites in the catalyst. This comprehensive consideration should be very helpful when designing and preparing novel catalysts for the low-temperature removal of VOCs.     

室温下消除CO的催化剂

本文考察了活性炭复合载体负载的、采用铂和钯金属络合物为初始化合物制备的负载型贵金属催化剂,在CO氧化反应中的催化性能。从中筛选出可在室温下消除CO的催化剂(编号CO-20-2),并试验了该催化剂在干、湿两种原料气氛下的活性和稳定性。与国内外用于同种反应的催化剂相比较,其活性和稳定性均较好。采用活性炭复合载体和与其匹配的活性组分初始物质Na_2PtCl_6和Pd(OAc)_2时,适宜的H_2还原温度范围为100—200℃,CO-20-2催化剂可在室温至45℃的低温范围内连续消除空气内的CO。     

Synergistic effect of Pt nanoparticles and micro-mesoporous ZSM-5 in VOCs low-temperature removal

Micro-mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolites were obtained by the post-treatment of tetrahydroxy ammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) solution with different concentration. The hierarchical pore structure formed during the desilication process facilitates the dispersion of Pt nanoparticles and Pt/ZSM-5 catalysts exhibit rather high catalytic activity for the deep oxidation of various VOCs at low temperature. The catalyst treated with TPAOH of 0.1 mol/L (Pt/ZSM-5(0.1)) shows the lowest degradation temperature (T_90%) of 128 and 142°C, respectively for benzene and n-hexane. Compared with the untreated Pt/ZSM-5 catalyst, the abundant mesopores, small Pt particle size and finely dispersed Pt contribute to the superior catalytic activity and stability of the Pt/ZSM-5 catalysts for VOCs removal. More importantly, the existence of H₂O in the feed gases hardly affected the activity of Pt/ZSM-5(0.1) catalyst at the low reaction temperature of 128°C, which is very important for VOCs low-temperature removal in the future practical applications.     

微波催化燃烧气态甲苯特性及床层温度分布

采用浸渍法制备Cu-Mn-Ce/堇青石蜂窝催化剂,于微波催化燃烧装置中考察其对甲苯废气的催化活性与稳定性,并对固定床温度进行了测试分析.研究表明,微波加热下床层温度分布均匀,甲苯的最佳反应温度在230~270℃之间.当停留时间大于9.7s且床层温度高于270℃时,甲苯的降解率大于90%.铜锰铈单金属氧化物及其复合氧化物尖晶石是主要的活性组分,甲苯在其表面上进行准一级反应而被催化氧化.高温对催化剂结构有影响,但重复性试验证实了催化剂的高活性和良好的稳定性.本文为微波催化燃烧技术治理VOCs废气的中试研究及下一步的实际应用提供了理论支持.     

微波加热下苯的催化氧化性能研究

研究考察了微波加热与传统电炉加热两种不同加热方式下苯的催化氧化性能,同时考察了微波加热下铜锰质量比,铈掺杂量及焙烧温度变化对铜-锰-铈/分子筛催化剂催化氧化苯性能的影响,并对催化剂进行了SEM和XRD表征.结果表明,微波加热下苯的催化氧化性能优于电炉加热,微波的"局部热点"效应、偶极极化作用与稳定的床层反应温度保证了苯的高效催化氧化;铜∶锰∶铈质量比1∶1∶0.33和焙烧温度500℃下催化剂的活性最高,苯的起燃温度与完全燃烧温度分别为165℃和230℃.催化剂表征分析可知,铜、锰氧化物及铜锰尖晶石固溶物等活性相的存在保证了催化剂的高活性;稀土元素铈的掺杂促进了活性组分在催化剂表面的分散与规整化;高温焙烧可导致催化剂表面的烧结与活性组分的团聚,从而降低其催化氧化苯的活性.     

微波催化燃烧印刷包装VOCs废气的矿化途径与降解机理

结合贵金属和过渡金属催化剂的优点,采用等体积浸渍法制备了Pt-CuMnCeO_x/蜂窝纳米陶瓷整体式催化剂,考察其在微波辐照下对印刷包装VOCs（甲苯和丙酮）废气的矿化效果及催化机理.研究表明,微波功率600W,进气量5m³/h,甲苯和丙酮浓度各1000mg/m³条件下,催化剂床层温度达到300℃,双组分VOCs矿化率为82%.结合XRD和XPS表征可知,高分散的Pt颗粒与铜锰铈尖晶石活性组分在"微波热点"作用下提高了对甲苯、丙酮的低温催化效率;微波催化燃烧反应同时遵循L-H和MvK机理,不同价态金属间发生电子转移,催化剂表面产生更多的表面吸附氧和晶格氧,从而增强了VOCs分子的吸附与氧化.中间产物测试基础上,推测甲苯的氧化降解途径为甲苯→苯甲醛→苯甲酸→小分子酸→二氧化碳和水,丙酮的氧化降解途径为：丙酮→小分子醛类、酸类→二氧化碳和水.     

Mn1-yNiyOx的制备及其催化燃烧甲苯性能的研究

通过水热共沉淀法制备了Mn_1-yNi_yO_x复合氧化物催化剂(y=0.1~0.5),考察掺杂Ni对Mn基氧化物在甲苯燃烧中的影响,在获得最优锰镍比例后,对其热稳定性与耐久性进行测试,然后通过XRD、N₂吸脱附、SEM、H₂-TPR以及XPS对其物理结构和氧化还原性能进行表征.结果表明,Mn和Ni在甲苯吸附和活化中产生相互作用,生成更多的Mn⁴⁺以及表面吸附氧,提供大量的反应活性位点,增强了催化氧化性能.Mn_0.8Ni_0.2O_x在甲苯催化燃烧中表现出的催化性能最好,其热稳定性与耐久性也表现优异,与MnO_x在甲苯催化燃烧中相比,其T₅₀、T₉₀分别下降12和11 ℃,在238℃即可将甲苯完全氧化,并且碳平衡值约为99%,无二次污染产生,该研究成果可为挥发性有机化合物(VOCs)催化燃烧提供更好的方式和材料.     

选择性催化氧化NO的催化剂研究进展

工业生产过程产生的NO对大气环境造成严重污染。选择性催化氧化吸收法（SCO）脱硝是目前较有价值的脱硝技术。选择性催化氧化的关键在于催化剂的选择。目前,用于NO催化氧化的催化剂主要有活性炭类、分子筛类、贵金属类、过渡金属氧化物类催化剂。其中,过渡金属氧化物类催化剂具有良好的催化活性,价格低廉,制作简单等,是目前较有研究前景的催化剂。目前,关于SCO各类催化剂脱硝机理的研究,常温下经济实用且氧化、稳定、抗毒性能优良的催化剂的制备,以及催化氧化工业废气工艺的探索是脱硝催化剂未来的发展方向。