Internal combustion engine exhaust gas purification apparatus, exhaust gas purification process and exhaust gas purification catalyst

Abstract

Nitrogen oxides contained in an exhaust gas emitted from a lean-burn engine-mounted internal combustion engines are eliminated with a high efficiency.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an exhausts gas purification apparatus, an exhaust gas purification process and an exhaust gas purification catalyst with high elimination efficiency of NOx from NOx-containing exhaust gases such as combustion exhaust gases from internal combustion engines such as automobile engines, etc.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Lean-burn engines capable of bringing an air/fuel ratio into a fuel-lean stage have been nowadays regarded as promising automobile internal combustion engines from the viewpoint of reduced fuel consumption. However, the exhaust gases from such engines are in such an oxidizing atmosphere that the O2 concentration of the exhaust gases is more than a stoichiometric amount necessary for complete combustion of reducing components contained in the exhaust gases (said atmosphere will be hereinafter referred as “oxidizing atmosphere”). The conventional ternary catalysts are directed to efficient purification of NOx, HC and CO in such a reducing atmosphere that the O2 concentration of the exhaust gases is not more than a stoichiometric amount necessary for complete combustion of reducing components contained in the exhaust gases (said atmosphere will be hereinafter referred to as “reducing atmosphere”), failing to show a satisfactory NOx elimination activity in the oxidizing atmosphere. Thus, it has been keenly desired to develop catalysts capable of effectively eliminating NOx, HC and CO, particularly NOx, in the oxidizing atmosphere.

[0003] For exhaust gas purification directed to the lean-burn engines, WO93/07363 and WO93/08383 propose to provide an NOx absorbent in the exhaust gas passage. The NOx absorbent can absorb NOx from the exhaust gases during the fuel-lean combustion and discharge the absorbed Nox when the O2 concentration of the exhaust gases is lowered.

[0004] JP-A-8-299793 also proposes to provide a catalyst which comprises an NOx-absorbing component capable of absorbing NOx from the exhaust gases during the fuel-lean combustion and an NOx-reducing component capable of reducing the absorbed NOx in the exhaust gas passage.

[0005] With more and more intensified atmospheric regulation of the automobile exhaust gases, much higher NOx elimination activity and durability are required for the Nox elimination catalysts directed to the lean-burn engines. The present invention provides an exhaust gas purification catalyst with distinguished NOx elimination activity and durability, particularly distinguished head resistance and SOx resistance, an exhaust gas purification apparatus and an exhaust gas purification process using said catalyst.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to elimination of NOx in a combustion exhaust gas in an oxidizing atmosphere emitted from an internal combustion engine with a catalyst comprising a carrier and active components, the active components comprising at least one of Rh, Pt and Pd, at least one member selected from alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, and Mn.

[0007] One member selected from the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals can serve the desired purpose, but two or more members thereof can further improve the activity. It seems that new active sites are formed on the catalyst owing to two or more members of these metals supported on the carrier. An amount of supported alkali metals and alkaline earth metals is preferably in a range of 0.05 to 3 parts by mole each of the supported metals in terms of metal elements on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of the porous carrier, where “parts by mole” means a proportion of one component to another in terms of moles; for example, “3 parts by mole of supported component B to 1.5 parts by mole of component A” means that component B is supported in a ratio of component B to component A being 3:1.5 terms of moles, irrespective of the absolute amount of component A. In case the amount of supported alkali metals and alkaline earth metals is less than 0.05 parts by mole each, the improvement of NOx elimination activity is less effective, whereas in case of more than 3 parts by mole the specific surface area of the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals becomes undesirably smaller.

[0008] The porous carrier may be supported on a substrate, where 0.3 to 4 moles of the porous carrier can supported on 1 l of the substrate preferably from the viewpoint of NOx elimination activity. In case the amount of supported porous carrier is less than 0.3 moles, the dispersibility of active components becomes poor, whereas in case of more than 4 moles the specific surface area of the porous carrier itself becomes undesirably smaller.

[0009] Mn is present in the form of metal or an oxide or a composite oxide with Al, etc. and seems to serve to capture NOx in the oxidizing atmosphere and further serve to improve the high temperature durability of the catalyst. By inclusion of both of at least one member of the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals and Mn the NOx-capturing effect can be further improved.

[0010] An amount of supported Mn is preferably in a range of 0.05 to 2 parts by mole in terms of metal element on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of the porous carrier. In case the amount of supported Mn is less than 0.05 parts by mole, the effect is not remarkable, whereas in case of more tan 2 parts by mole the specific surface area of the catalyst becomes undesirably smaller.

[0011] Rh, Pt and Pd can enhance the elimination activity and high temperature durability. It is most desirable for the improvement of the activity and durability to contain all of these noble metals.

[0012] Amounts of supported noble metals are preferably in ranges of 0.002 to 0.05 parts by mole of Pt, 0.0003 to 0.01 part by mole of Rh and 0.001 to 0.2 parts by mole of Pd, all in terms of metal elements, on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of the porous carrier. In case the amount of supported noble metals are less than their lower limits the effect is not remarkable, whereas in case of more than the upper limits the specific surface areas of the noble metals per se become smaller without remarkable effect.

[0013] When at least one of rare earth metals is supported thereon in addition to the foregoing components, the NOx elimination activity and high temperature durability can be further improved, where it is preferable to contain 0.02 to 0.5 parts by mole of each in terms of metal elements on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of the porous carrier. In case of less than 0.02 parts by mole, the effect is not remarkable, whereas in case of more than 0.5 parts by mole the specific surface area of the catalyst becomes undesirably smaller. Preferable rare earth metals are La, Nd and Ce.

[0014] By further adding at least one of Ti and Si thereto, the NOx elimination efficiency and also the SOx resistance can be further improved. It seems that the effect of Ti and Si on the SOx resistance improvement is due to Ti and Si being formed into composite metals together with Mn, alkali metals and alkaline earth metals. By further adding at least one of Co, Ni and Cu thereto, the NOx elimination activity and the heat resistance can be further improved. Amounts of supported Ti, Co, Si, Ni and Cu are preferably in a range of 0.01 to 2 parts by mole of each in terms of metal elements on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of the porous carrier.

[0015] The present catalyst can further contain at least one of B and P.

[0016] B and P are present in the form of simple substances or oxides or composite oxides with at least one member selected from alkali metals and Al, and seem to serve to capture NOx in the oxidizing atmosphere, play a role of attracting CO, hydrocarbons, etc. as reducing agents onto the catalyst surface and serve to further improve the heat resistance and the SOx resistance of the catalyst. By controlling mixing sequence of B or P or firing temperature, etc. during the catalyst preparation, they can be brought into the oxide form or the composite oxide form.

[0017] An amount of supported B or P is preferably in a range of 0.01 to 2 parts by mole of each in terms of elements on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of the porous carrier. In case of less than 0.01 part by mole of supported B or P the effect is not remarkable, whereas in case of more than 2 parts by mole the specific surface area of the catalyst becomes undesirably smaller.

[0018] The catalyst can be prepared by any procedure utilizing physical means or chemical reactions such as impregnation, kneading, coprecipitation, sol-gel formation, ion exchange, vapor deposition, etc.

[0019] Starting materials for use in the catalyst preparation include various compounds such as nitrate compounds, acetate compounds, complex compounds, hydroxides, carbonate compounds, organic compounds etc., metals and metal oxides.

[0020] For the porous carrier, metal oxides, composite oxides, etc. such as alumina, titania, silica, silica-alumina, zirconia, magnesia, etc. can be used, among which alumina is most preferable. The present catalyst can be used upon coating onto a substrate. Cordierite is a most suitable substrate, but even a metal such as stainless steel can be used as well.

[0021] The NOx elimination catalyst can be used in any form, for example, honeycomb form, pellet form, plate form, granule form, powder form, etc., among which the honeycomb form is most preferable.

[0022] The present catalyst has an effect of eliminating NOx contained in the exhaust gases emitted from internal combustion engines during the lean-burn operation with high elimination efficiency. The NOx elimination effect of the present catalyst seems due to an action of capturing NOx contained in the lean-burn exhaust gas on the catalyst surface, thereby eliminating NOx from the exhaust gas and an action of reducing the captured NOx, thereby eliminating it. Capturing of NOx seems to be effected by absorption, chemisorption, etc.

[0023] The exhaust gas during the lean-burn operation contain oxygen at a higher concentration than the stoichiometric amount necessary for complete combustion of reducing components (HC and CO) in the exhaust gas and thus is in an oxidizing atmosphere. The exhaust gas in an oxidizing atmosphere will be hereinafter referred to as “lean exhaust gas” or “air/fuel ratio-lean exhaust gas”. An exhaust gas emitted from internal combustion engines upon combustion in a theoretical air/fuel ratio will be hereinafter referred to as “stoichiometric exhaust gas” or “air/fuel ratio-stoichiometric exhaust gas”. An exhaust gas emitted from internal combustion engines operated in fuel excess over the theoretical air/fuel ratio contains oxygen at a lower concentration than the stoichiometric amount necessary for complete combustion of the reducing components contained in the exhaust gas and thus is in a reducing atmosphere. The exhaust gas in a reducing atmosphere will be hereinafter referred to as “rich exhaust gas” or “air/fuel ratio-rich exhaust gas”.

[0024] One embodiment of the present invention provides an exhaust gas purification apparatus provided with said catalyst in the exhaust gas passage from internal combustion engines in lean-burn operation.

[0025] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an exhaust gas purification process for purifying an exhaust gas emitted by lean-burn operation upon contacting the exhaust gas with said catalyst.

[0026] When the present catalyst is kept in continuous contact with an air/fuel ratio-lean exhaust gas, the NOx elimination efficiency will be gradually lowered, because the amount of captured NOx on the catalyst surface gradually increases, thereby weakening the capturing action. When the NOx elimination efficiency is so lowered, it is desirable to temporarily shift the lean-burn operation to a theoretical air/fuel ratio operation or a fuel excess operation, thereby bringing the air/fuel ratio of the exhaust gas into a stoichiometric or fuel-rich exhaust gas, the NOx elimination action can proceed so actively that the NOx captured on the catalyst surface can be rapidly eliminated to regenerate the catalyst. Thus, when the operation is shifted again to the lean-burn operation once again, high NOx elimination efficiency can be obtained. The duration of the theoretical air/fuel ratio or fuel excess operation is only a few seconds to a few minutes.

[0027] The present catalyst can be used in combination with a combustion catalyst capable of combusting HC and CO. For the combustion catalyst capable of combusting HC and CO, it is desirable to use a catalyst comprising Pt and Rh supported on an alumina carrier or a catalyst comprising Ag and Mn supported on an alumina carrier. The combustion catalyst can be provided at a position upstream or downstream of the present catalyst or at both upstream and downstream positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exhaust gas purification apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a view showing an NOx elimination catalyst and a combustion catalyst provided in an exhaust gas passage from an automobile engine.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0030] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the present exhaust gas purification apparatus.

[0031] In FIG. 1 are shown a lean-burn engine 99, a suction system comprising an air cleaner 1, an air flow sensor 2 and a throttle valve 3, an exhaust gas purification system comprising an oxygen concentration sensor 7, an exhaust gas temperature sensor 8, a catalyst outlet gas temperature sensor 9, an exhaust gas purification catalyst 10, etc., an engine control unit (ECU) 11, etc. ECU 11 comprises an I/O as an input/output interface, an LSI, a microprocessing unit (MPU), memory units RAM and ROM memorizing a large number of control programs, a timer/counter, etc.

[0032] Suction air to the engine is filtered through the air cleaner, then metered by the air flow sensor 2, passed through the throttle valve 3, subjected to fuel injection from an injector 5, and fed to the engine 99 as a mixed gas. Air flow sensor signals and other sensor signals are input into the ECU (Engine Control Unit) 11.

[0033] ECU evaluates the operating state of the internal combustion engine and the state of the exhaust gas purification catalyst and judges an operating air/fuel ratio, thereby controlling the injection time of the injector 5, etc. to set the fuel concentration of the mixed gas to a desired value. The mixed gas introduced into the cylinder is ignited by an ignition plug 6 controlled by a signal from ECU 11 and combusted. The combustion exhaust gas is led to the exhaust gas purification system. The exhaust gas purification system is provided by the exhaust gas purification catalyst 10, which eliminates NOx, HC and CO in the exhaust gas by its ternary catalyst function during the stoichiometric operation, and eliminates NOx by the NOx capturing function and also eliminates HC and CO by the combustion function at the same time during the lean operation. The NOx elimination activity of the exhaust gas purification catalyst is always determined during the lean operation by the judgement of EUC and control signals to shift the air/fuel ratio, etc. to the fuel-rich state during the combustion, when the NOx elimination activity is lowered, thereby regaining the NOx capturing action of the catalyst. By the foregoing operations, the exhaust gas can be effectively purified under all the engine combustion conditions of lean operation and stoichiometric operation (including the fuel-rich operation). An A/F sensor can be used in place of the oxygen concentration sensor 7.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows the case of providing a hydrocarbon and CO combustion catalyst downstream of the exhaust gas purification catalyst 10. In FIG. 2, the remaining hydrocarbon and CO as not eliminated by the exhaust gas purification catalyst are eliminated by the combustion catalyst 20.

[0035] The present invention will be described in detail below, referring to Examples, which are not limitative of the present invention.

EXAMPLE 1

[0036] A cordierite honeycomb (400 cells/inc2) was coated with a slurry prepared from alumina powder and alumina precursor and made acidic by nitric acid, dried and fired to obtain an alumina coat honeycomb as coated with 1.5 moles of alumina per 1 l of the apparent honeycomb volume. The alumina coat honeycomb was impregnated with a mixed solution of dinitrodiamine Pt nitric acid solution and Rh nitrate solution, dried at 200° C. and then fired at 600° C. Then, the supported Pt and Rh-contained honeycomb was impregnated with a mixed solution of Na nitrate solution, Mn nitrate solution and Pd nitrate solution, dried at 200° C. and then fired at 600° C. Thus, Example catalyst 1 containing 0.0022 parts by mole of Rh, 0.014 parts by mole of Pt, 0.8 parts by mole of Na, 0.2 parts by mole of Mn and 0.014 parts by mole of Pd in terms of metal elements on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of alumina was prepared. The catalyst will be hereinafter expressed as 0.8 NaMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3. Likewise, Example Catalysts 2 to 9, which contained 0.8 parts by mole each of Li, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba, respectively, as supported in place of Na, while changing the amounts of supported Mn, Pd, Rh and Pt, and Example Catalysts 10 to 41 containing at least two members of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals without changing the amounts of supported Mn, Pd, Rh and Pt were prepared. In the same manner as for Example Catalyst 1, Comparative Example Catalysts 1 to 9 containing 0.0022 parts by mole of Rh, 0.014 parts by mole of Pt, 0.014 parts by mole of Pd and 0.8 parts by mole of each of Na, Li, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba in terms of metal elements respectively, as supported on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of alumina, without containing Mn, and likewise Comparative Example Catalysts 10 to 14 containing at least two members of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals without containing Mn and without changing the amounts of supported Pd, Rh and Pt, were prepared as Comparative Example Catalysts.

TEST EXAMPLE 1

[0037] (Test Procedure)

[0038] The foregoing catalysts were subjected to an NOx elimination test under the following conditions.

[0039] 6 cc of the honeycomb catalyst was set into a quartz glass reactor tube. The reactor tube was inserted into an electric furnace and heat controlled so that the gas introduced into the reactor tube could be set to temperatures of 300° C., 400° C. and 500° C. The following gases were introduced into the reactor tube: a model gas, i.e. an assumed exhaust gas as would be emitted from an automobile engine operated in the theoretical air/fuel ratio (which will be hereinafter referred to as “stoichiometric model gas”) and a model gas, i.e. an assumed exhaust gas as would be emitted from a lean-burn operated automobile engine (which will be hereinafter referred to as “lean model gas”), where these two model gases were introduced into the reactor tube upon switching from one to another at every 3 minutes. The stoichiometric model gas had such a composition as NOx: 1,000 ppm, C3H6: 600 ppm, CO: 0.6%, CO2: 12%, O2: 0.5%, H2: 0.3%, H2O: 10%, and N2: the balance. The lean model gas had such a composition as NOx: 600 ppm, C3H6: 500 ppm, CO: 0.1%, CO2: 10%, O2: 5%, H2O: 10% and N2: the balance. NOx concentration was measured at the inlet to and the outlet from the catalyst, and NOx elimination efficiency one minute after switching to the lean model gas was calculated according to the following equation:

NOx elimination efficiency (%)=(NOx concentration of inlet gas−NOx concentration of outlet gas)÷NOx concentration of inlet gas×100

[0040] Test for determining the NOx elimination efficiency as mentioned above will be referred to as Test Example 1.

[0041] (Test Results)

[0042] Test results of Example Catalysts 1 to 41 and Comparative Catalysts 1 to 14 according to Test Example 1 are shown in Table 1. In the fuel-rich burn operation, all the catalysts constantly had an NOx elimination efficiency of 90% or more at 300° C. and 100% at 400° C., showing the satisfactory ternary catalyst activity. In case of the present catalysts, the NOx elimination efficiency was not changed during both of the lean-burn operation and the stoichiometric burn operation even after a plurality of switched operations. The HC and CO elimination efficiency during the lean-burn operation was 90% or more. Example Catalyst containing at least one member of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, and all of Mn and Rh, Pt and Pd had evidently higher NOx elimination efficiencies than those of Comparative Example Catalysts.

	TABLE 1
	NOx elimination
	efficiency (%)
Catalyst	300° C.	400° C.	500° C.
Example Catalyst 1	0.8NaMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	88	92	87
Example Catalyst 2	0.8LiMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	86	88	71
Example Catalyst 3	0.8KMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	82	96	91
Example Catalyst 4	0.8RbMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	87	97	94
Example Catalyst 5	0.8CsMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	83	99	95
Example Catalyst 6	0.8MgMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	71	85	63
Example Catalyst 7	0.8CaMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	82	93	75
Example Catalyst 8	0.8SrMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	82	92	80
Example Catalyst 9	0.8BaMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	73	71	54
Example Catalyst 10	0.2Li0.6NaMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	82	91	73
Example Catalyst 11	0.4Li0.4KMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	85	94	92
Example Catalyst 12	0.4Li0.4RbMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	75	77	69
Example Catalyst 13	0.4Li0.4CsMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	85	93	91
Example Catalyst 14	0.6Li0.1MgMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	72	61	50
Example Catalyst 15	0.4Li0.4CaMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	75	91	77
Example Catalyst 16	0.4Li0.4SrMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	84	90	75
Example Catalyst 17	0.4Li0.4BaMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	72	70	55
Example Catalyst 18	0.8Na0.6KMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	91	90	93
Example Catalyst 19	0.8Na0.4RbMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	85	80	81
Example Catalyst 20	0.8Na0.4CsMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	86	90	85
Example Catalyst 21	0.8Na0.75MgMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	92	99	94
Example Catalyst 22	0.8Na0.4CaMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	80	90	71
Example Catalyst 23	0.4Na0.2SrMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	89	87	81
Example Catalyst 24	0.4K0.2CsMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	95	98	85
Example Catalyst 25	0.4K0.4RbMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	81	85	73
Example Catalyst 26	0.4K0.4CaMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	80	80	63
Example Catalyst 27	0.6K0.4SrMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	82	86	75
Example Catalyst 28	0.6K0.4BaMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	80	76	77
Example Catalyst 29	0.3Cs0.1MgMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	85	90	85
Example Catalyst 30	0.3Cs0.2CaMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	82	85	80
Example Catalyst 31	0.3Cs0.4SrMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	86	88	75
Example Catalyst 32	0.3Cs0.4BaMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	73	85	80
Example Catalyst 33	0.4Sr0.1MgMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	88	90	82
Example Catalyst 34	0.4Sr0.4CaMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	81	85	78
Example Catalyst 35	0.4Sr0.4BaMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	71	82	77
Example Catalyst 36	0.4Li1.2Na0.6KMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	98	99	91
Example Catalyst 37	0.8Na0.2Ca0.1MgMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	80	87	75
Example Catalyst 38	0.4Na0.15Sr0.1MgMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	83	88	78
Example Catalyst 39	0.4Na0.15Sr0.2CaMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	76	80	70
Example Catalyst 40	0.4Li0.4K0.2SrMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	88	93	90
Example Catalyst 41	0.4Li0.4Na0.4K0.2CsMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	95	98	95
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 1	0.8NaPd—RhPt/Al2O3	67	63	35
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 2	0.8LiPd—RhPt/Al2O3	68	51	35
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 3	0.8KPd—RhPt/Al2O3	58	57	42
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 4	0.8RbPd—RhPt/Al2O3	40	59	47
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 5	0.8CsPd—RhPt/Al2O3	35	61	50
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 6	0.8MgPd—RhPt/Al2O3	50	38	23
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 7	0.8CaPd—RhPt/Al2O3	58	52	28
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 8	0.8SrPd—RhPt/Al2O3	51	57	36
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 9	0.8BaPd—RhPt/Al2O3	57	51	32
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 10	0.8Na0.1MgPd—RhPt/Al2O3	52	60	40
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 11	0.4Sr0.4BaPd—RhPt/Al2O3	49	61	29
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 12	0.6K0.4BaPd—RhPt/Al2O3	55	53	30
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 13	0.8Na0.2Ca0.1MgPd—RhPt/Al2O3	51	55	40
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 14	0.4Na0.15Sr0.2CaPd—RhPt/Al2O3	54	49	36

TEST EXAMPLE 2

[0043] (Test Procedure)

[0044] Example Catalyst 1, 3, 8, 11, 18, 21, 33, 36, 38 and 40, and Comparative Example Catalyst 1 to 5, 11 and 13 were fired at 800° C. for 5 hours, and then subjected to the test in the same test procedure as Test Example 1.

[0045] (Test Results)

[0046] Test results are shown in Table 2. The present catalysts had evidently higher NOx elimination efficiencies than those of Comparative Example Catalysts and had distinguished high temperature durabilities.

	TABLE 2
	NOx elimination
	efficiency (%)
Catalyst	300° C.	400° C.	500° C.
Example Catalyst 1	0.8NaMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	73	85	73
Example Catalyst 3	0.8KMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	75	80	70
Example Catalyst 8	0.8SrMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	78	80	69
Example Catalyst 11	0.4Li0.4KMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	80	85	84
Example Catalyst 18	0.8Na0.6KMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	79	82	87
Example Catalyst 21	0.8Na0.075MgMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	88	91	89
Example Catalyst 33	0.4Sr0.1MgMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	72	79	69
Example Catalyst 36	0.4Li1.2Na0.6KMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	83	93	88
Example Catalyst 38	0.4Na0.15Sr0.1MgMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	75	81	72
Example Catalyst 40	0.4Li0.4K0.2SrMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	80	76	69
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 1	0.8NaPd—RhPt/Al2O3	41	40	15
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 2	0.8LiPd—RhPt/Al2O3	35	39	21
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 3	0.8KPd—RhPt/Al2O3	45	48	35
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 4	0.8RbPd—RhPt/Al2O3	33	49	34
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 5	0.8CsPd—RhPt/Al2O3	35	33	21
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 11	0.4Sr0.4BaPd—RhPt/Al2O3	24	40	22
Comp. Ex. Catalyst 13	0.8Na0.2Ca0.1MgPd—RhPt/Al2O3	38	40	31

EXAMPLE 2

[0047] In the same manner as in Example 1, Example Catalysts 42 to 47 were prepared by adding Cu, Co or Ni to Example Catalysts 21 and 36, respectively, and evaluated according to Test Example 1. Amounts of supported Cu, Co and Ni were 0.1 part by mole each in terms of metal elements on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of alumina.

[0048] (Test Results)

[0049] Test results are shown in Table 3. Example Catalysts containing Co, Ni or Cu had higher activities than those of Comparative Example Catalysts 1 to 14 shown in Table 1.

	TABLE 3
	NOx elimination
	efficiency (%)
Catalyst	300° C.	400° C.	500° C.
Example Catalyst 42	NaMgMnPd—RhPt0.1Cu/Al2O3	93	99	96
Example Catalyst 43	NaMgMnPd—RhPt0.1Co/Al2O3	94	99	95
Example Catalyst 44	NaMgMnPd—RhPt0.1Ni/Al2O3	95	99	97
Example Catalyst 45	LiNaKMnPd—RhPt0.1Cu/Al2O3	87	95	93
Example Catalyst 46	LiNaKMnPd—RhPt0.1Co/Al2O3	86	96	94
Example Catalyst 47	LiNaKMnPd—RhPt0.1Ni/Al2O3	84	99	93

EXAMPLE 3

[0050] In the same manner as in Example 1, Example Catalysts 48 to 51 were prepared by adding Ti or Si to Example Catalysts 21 and 36, respectively. Amounts of supported Ti and Si were 0.1 parts by mole each in terms of metal elements on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of alumina.

TEST EXAMPLE 3

[0051] (Test Procedure)

[0052] In Test Example 1, only an SO2-added lean gas was passed through the reaction tube. An amount of SO2 added to the lean gas was 0.01%. Then, an NOx elimination efficiency was determined according to the procedure of Test Example 1. Test temperature was 400° C.

[0053] (Test Results)

[0054] Test results of Example Catalysts 48 to 51 and Comparative Example Catalysts 1 and 3 according to Test Example 3 are shown in Table 4. Example Catalysts 48 to 51 had higher NOx elimination efficiencies than those of Comparative Example Catalysts 1 and 3 and also had a good SOx durability.

	TABLE 4
	NOx elimination
	efficiency (%)
Catalyst	300° C.	400° C.	500° C.
Example	NaMgMnPd0.1Ti—RhPt/Al2O3	61	68	58
Catalyst
48
Example	NaMgMnPd0.1Si—RhPt/Al2O3	59	62	55
Catalyst
49
Example	LiNaKMnPd0.1Ti—RhPt/Al2O3	70	75	71
Catalyst
50
Example	LiNaKMnPd0.1Si—RhPt/Al2O3	65	70	58
Catalyst
51
Comp. Ex.	0.8NaPd—RhPt/Al2O3	28	32	15
Catalyst 1
Comp. Ex.	0.8KPd—RhPt/Al2O3	20	24	32
Catalyst 3

EXAMPLE 4

[0055] In the same manner as in Example 1, Example Catalysts 52 to 60 were prepared by adding 0.2 parts by mole of Ce, La or Nd in terms of metal elements to Example Catalysts 36, 48 and 50, respectively, on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of alumina. Test was the same as in Test Example 2.

[0056] (Test Results)

[0057] NOx elimination efficiencies determined according to Test Example 2 are shown in Table 5. Example Catalysts 52 to 60 had evidently higher NOx elimination efficiencies than those of Comparative Example Catalysts shown in Table 2 and had good high temperature durabilities.

	TABLE 5
	NOx elimination
	efficiency (%)
Catalyst	300° C.	400° C.	500° C.
Example Catalyst 52	LiNaKMnPd—RhPt—0.2Ce/Al2O3	88	95	91
Example Catalyst 53	LiNaKMnPd—RhPt—0.2La/Al2O3	83	96	89
Example Catalyst 54	LiNaKMnPd—RhPt—0.2Nd/Al2O3	85	93	90
Example Catalyst 55	NaMgMnPdTi—RhPt—0.2Ce/Al2O3	93	95	85
Example Catalyst 56	NaMgMnPdTi—RhPt—0.2La/Al2O3	88	92	87
Example Catalyst 57	NaMgMnPdTi—RhPt—0.2Nd/Al2O3	90	91	91
Example Catalyst 58	LiNaKMnPdTi—RhPt—0.2Ce/Al2O3	95	97	94
Example Catalyst 59	LiNaKMnPdTi—RhPt—0.2La/Al2O3	82	91	91
Example Catalyst 60	LiNaKMnPdTi—RhPt—0.2Nd/Al2O3	80	91	80

EXAMPLE 5

[0058] In the same manner as in Example 1, Example Catalysts 61 to 66 were prepared by omitting one of the noble metals from Example Catalysts 52 and 58. Test was the same as in Test Example 2.

[0059] (Test Results)

[0060] NOx elimination efficiencies determined according to Test Example 2 are shown in Table 6. Example Catalysts 61 to 66 had evidently higher NOx elimination efficiencies than those of Comparative Example catalysts shown in Table 2 and had good high temperature durabilities.

	TABLE 6
	NOx elimination
	efficiency (%)
Catalyst	300° C.	400° C.	500° C.
Example	LiNaKMnPd—Pt—Ce/Al2O3	79	86	73
Catalyst
61
Example	LiNaKMnPd—RhCe/Al2O3	73	86	77
Catalyst
62
Example	LiNaKMn—RhPt—Ce/Al2O3	70	86	80
Catalyst
63
Example	LiNaKMnPdTi—Pt—Ce/Al2O3	86	90	78
Catalyst
64
Example	LiNaKMnPdTi—Rh—Ce/Al2O3	89	90	80
Catalyst
65
Example	LiNaKMnTi—RhPt—Ce/Al2O3	79	91	83
Catalyst
66

EXAMPLE 6

[0061] In the same manner as in Example 1, Example Catalysts 67 to 72 were prepared by adding 0.1 part by mole of at least one of P and B in terms of elements to Example Catalysts 52 and 58, respectively, on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of alumina. Test was the same as in Test Example 2.

[0062] (Test Results)

[0063] NOx elimination efficiencies determined according to Test Example 2 are shown in Table 7. Example Catalysts 67 to 72 had higher NOx elimination efficiencies than those of Comparative Example Catalysts shown in Table 2 and had good high temperature durabilities.

	TABLE 7
	NOx elimination
	efficiency (%)
Catalyst	300° C.	400° C.	500° C.
Example Catalyst 67	LiNaKMnPd0.1P—RhPt—Ce/Al2O3	88	87	94
Example Catalyst 68	LiNaKMnPd0.1B—RhPt—Ce/Al2O3	83	82	95
Example Catalyst 69	LiNaKMnPd0.1P0.1B—RhPt—Ce/Al2O3	85	81	92
Example Catalyst 70	LiNaKMnPdTi0.1P—RhPt—Ce/Al2O3	81	93	92
Example Catalyst 71	LiNaKMnPdTi0.1B—RhPt—Ce/Al2O3	80	83	87
Example Catalyst 72	LiNaKMnPdTi0.1P0.1B—RhPt—Ce/Al2O3	80	86	97

EXAMPLE 7

[0064] In the same manner as in Example 1, Catalysts containing 0.1 part by mole of Ti in terms of metal element on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of alumina were prepared by adding Ti to Example Catalysts 11 and 33 and catalysts were also prepared by changing Mn contents of Example Catalysts 36 and 48. Test was the same as in Test Example 1.

[0065] (Test Results)

[0066] NOx elimination efficiencies determined at 400° C. according to Test Example 1 are shown in Table 8. The catalysts containing 0.05 to 2 parts by mole of supported Mn in terms of metal element had high NOx elimination efficiencies than 80%, showing good NOx elimination efficiencies.

TABLE 8
	NOx elimination		NOx elimination
	efficiency		efficiency
Catalysts	(%), 400° C.	Catalysts	(%), 400° C.
LiKPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	73	LiNaKPd—RhPt/Al2O3	70
LiK0.02MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	75	LiNaK0.2MnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	75
LiK0.05MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	83	LiNaK0.05MnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	82
LiK0.2MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	92	LiNaK0.2MnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	99
LiK0.4MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	98	LiNaK0.4MnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	99
LiK1.4MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	90	LiNaK1.4MnPdRhPt/Al2O3	93
LiK2MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	82	LiNaK2MnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	86
LiK3MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	68	LiNaK3MnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	71
SrMgPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	69	NaMgPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	71
SrMg0.02MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	75	NaMg0.02MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	73
SrMg0.05MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	81	NaMg0.05MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	81
SrMg0.2MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	85	NaMg0.2MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	96
SrMg0.4MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	93	NaMg0.4MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	93
SrMg1.4MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	88	NaMg1.4MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	88
SrMg2MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	83	NaMg2MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	83
SrMg3MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	62	NaMg3MnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	65

EXAMPLE 8

[0067] In the same manner as in Example 1, catalysts containing 0.1 part by mole of Ti in terms of metal element on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of alumina were prepared by adding Ti to Example Catalysts 11 and 33, and catalysts whose K and Sr contents were further changed in the prepared catalysts and catalysts whose K and Na contents were changed in Example Catalysts 36 and 48 were also prepared. Test was the same as in Test Example 1.

[0068] (Test Results)

[0069] NOx elimination efficiencies determined at 400° C. according to Test Example 1 are shown in Table 9. The catalysts having K, Sr and Na contents of 0.05 to 3 parts by mole each had higher NOx elimination efficiencies than 80% at 400° C., showing good NOx elimination efficiencies.

TABLE 9
	NOx elimination		NOx elimination
	efficiency		efficiency
Catalysts	(%), 400° C.	Catalysts	(%), 400° C.
Li0.02KMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	72	LiNa0.02KMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	70
Li0.05KMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	81	LiNa0.05KMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	84
Li0.4KMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	92	LiNa0.4KMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	99
Li1.5KMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	96	LiNa0.6KMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	99
Li2.2KMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	89	LiNa1.5KMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	90
Li3KMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	83	LiNa3KMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	82
Li4KMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	69	LiNa4KMnPd—RhPt/Al2O3	73
0.02SrMgMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	73	0.02NaMgMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	62
0.05SrMgMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	81	0.05NaMgMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	81
0.4SrMgMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	85	0.5NaMgMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	88
0.6SrMgMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	88	0.8NaMgMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	96
1.5SrMgMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	83	2NaMgMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	90
3SrMgMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	81	3NaMgMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	84
4SrMgMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	62	4NaMgMnPdTi—RhPt/Al2O3	76

EXAMPLE 9

[0070] In the same manner as in Example 1, catalysts whose Rh, Pt and Pd contents were changed in Example Catalyst 48 were prepared. Test was the same as in Test Example 1.

[0071] (Test Results)

[0072] NOx elimination efficiencies determined at 400° C. according to Test Example 1 are shown in Table 10. The catalysts containing 0.002 to 0.05 parts by mole of Pt, 0.0003 to 0.01 part by mole of Rh and 0.001 to 0.2 parts by mole of Pd in terms of metal elements as amounts of supported Rh, Pt and Pd had higher NOx elimination efficiencies than 80% at 400° C., showing good NOx elimination efficiencies.

TABLE 10
	NOx elimination		NOx elimination
	efficiency		efficiency
Catalysts	(%), 400° C.	Catalysts	(%), 400° C.
NaMgMn0.001PdTi—0.0003Rh0.001Pt/Al2O3	60	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.0003Rh0.001Pt/Al2O3	76
NaMgMn0.0001PdTi—0.01Rh0.001Pt/Al2O3	68	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.01Rh0.001Pt/Al2O3	74
NaMgMn0.001PdTi—0.0001Rh0.002Pt/Al2O3	62	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.0001Rh0.002Pt/Al2O3	73
NaMgMn0.001PdTi—0.0003Rh0.002Pt/Al2O3	84	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.0003Rh0.002Pt/Al2O3	83
NaMgMn0.001Pdti—0.0022Rh0.002Pt/Al2O3	90	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.0022Rh0.002Pt/Al2O3	92
NaMgMn0.001PdTi—0.01Rh0.002Pt/Al2O3	81	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.01Rh0.002Pt/Al2O3	84
NaMgMn0.001PdTi—0.02Rh0.002Pt/Al2O3	73	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.02Rh0.002Pt/Al2O3	76
NaMgMn0.001PdTi—0.0003Rh0.014Pt/Al2O3	85	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.0003Rh0.014Pt/Al2O3	86
NaMgMn0.001PdTi—0.0022Rh0.014Pt/Al2O3	95	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.0022Rh0.014Pt/Al2O3	96
NaMgMn0.001PdTi—0.01Rh0.014Pt/Al2O3	84	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.01Rh0.014Pt/Al2O3	87
NaMgMn0.001PdTi—0.0001Rh0.05Pt/Al2O3	75	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.0001Rh0.05Pt/Al2O3	75
NaMgMn0.001PdTi—0.0003Rh0.05Pt/Al2O3	81	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.0003Rh0.05Pt/Al2O3	82
NaMgMn0.001PdTi—0.0022Rh0.05Pt/Al2O3	88	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.0022Rh0.05Pt/Al2O3	95
NaMgMn0.001PdTi—0.01Rh0.05Pt/Al2O3	84	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.01Rh0.05Pt/Al2O3	88
NaMgMn0.001PdTi—0.02Rh0.05Pt/Al2O3	75	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.02Rh0.05Pt/Al2O3	75
NaMgMn0.001PdTi—0.0003Rh0.07Pt/Al2O3	72	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.0003Rh0.07Pt/Al2O3	73
NaMgMn0.001PdTi—0.01Rh0.07Pt/Al2O3	73	NaMgMn0.014PdTi—0.01Rh0.07Pt/Al2O3	71
NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.0003Rh0.001Pt/Al2O3	63	NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.0001Rh0.05Pt/Al2O3	74
NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.01Rh0.001Pt/Al2O3	66	NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.0003Rh0.05Pt/Al2O3	82
NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.0001Rh0.002Pt/Al2O3	68	NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.0022Rh0.05Pt/Al2O3	88
NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.0003Rh0.002Pt/Al2O3	81	NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.01Rh0.05Pt/Al2O3	81
NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.0022Rh0.002Pt/Al2O3	90	NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.02Rh0.05Pt/Al2O3	77
NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.01Rh0.002Pt/Al2O3	83	NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.0003Rh0.07Pt/Al2O3	76
NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.02Rh0.002Pt/Al2O3	71	NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.01Rh0.07Pt/Al2O3	78
NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.0003Rh0.014Pt/Al2O3	84	NaMgMn0.0005PdTi—0.0022Rh0.014Pt/Al2O3	70
NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.0022Rh0.014Pt/Al2O3	93	NaMgMn0.3PdTi—0.0022Rh0.014Pt/Al2O3	71
NaMgMn0.2PdTi—0.01Rh0.014Pt/Al2O3	87

EXAMPLE 10

[0073] In the same manner as in Example 1, catalysts were prepared by adding Ce, La or Nd to Example Catalysts 36 and 48 and by further changing their contents. Test was the same as in Test Example 2.

[0074] (Test Results)

[0075] NOx elimination efficiencies determined at 400° C. according to Test Example 2 are shown in Table 11. The catalysts containing 0.02 to 0.5 parts by mole of supported Ce, La and Nd in terms of metal elements had higher NOx elimination efficiencies than 80% at 400° C. after heating at 800° C. for 5 hours, showing good NOx elimination efficiencies.

TABLE 11
	NOx		NOx
	elimination		elimination
	efficiency		efficiency
Catalysts	(%), 400° C.	Catalysts	(%), 400° C.
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	75	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	76
0.01Ce/Al2O3		0.01Ce/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	82	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	87
0.02Ce/Al2O3		0.02Ce/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	95	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	95
0.2Ce/Al2O3		0.2Ce/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	91	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	94
0.5Ce/Al2O3		0.5Ce/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	73	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	71
0.8Ce/Al2O3		0.8Ce/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	75	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	76
0.01La/Al2O3		0.01La/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	85	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	85
0.02La/Al2O3		0.02La/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	96	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	92
0.2La/Al2O3		0.2La/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	88	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	82
0.5La/Al2O3		0.5La/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	74	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	63
0.8La/Al2O3		0.8La/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	66	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	70
0.01Nd/Al2O3		0.01Nd/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	81	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	82
0.02Nd/Al2O3		0.2Nd/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	93	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	91
0.2Nd/Al2O3		0.2Nd/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	84	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	84
0.5Nd/Al2O3		0.5Nd/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	69	NaMgMnPdti-RhPt-	75
0.8Nd/Al2O3		0.8Nd/Al2O3

EXAMPLE 11

[0076] In the same manner as in Example 1, catalysts were prepared by adding Cu, Co or Ni to Example Catalysts 36 and 48 and by further changing their contents.

[0077] (Test Results)

[0078] NOx elimination efficiencies determined at 400° C. according to Test Example 1 are shown in Table 12. The catalysts containing 0.01 to 2 parts by mole of Cu, Co or Ni in terms of metal elements had higher NOx elimination efficiencies than 80% at 400° C., showing good NOx elimination efficiencies.

TABLE 12
	NOx		NOx
	elimination		elimination
	efficiency		efficiency
Catalysts	(%), 400° C.	Catalysts	(%), 400° C.
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	75	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	76
0.005Cu/Al2O3		0.005Cu/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	85	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	82
0.01Cu/Al2O3		0.01Cu/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	92	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	87
0.1Cu/Al2O3		0.1Cu/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	96	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	91
0.2Cu/Al2O3		0.2Cu/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	81	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	83
2Cu/Al2O3		2Cu/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	70	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	74
3Cu/Al2O3		3Cu/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	71	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	71
0.005Co/Al2O3		0.005Co/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	81	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	88
0.01Co/Al2O3		0.01Co/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	94	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	94
0.1Co/Al2O3		0.1Co/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	97	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	98
0.2Co/Al2O3		0.2Co/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	81	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	83
2Co/Al2O3		2Co/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	77	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	71
3Co/Al2O3		3Co/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	71	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	74
0.005Ni/Al2O3		0.005Ni/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	83	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	81
0.01Ni/Al2O3		0.01Ni/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	84	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	82
0.1Ni/Al2O3		0.1Ni/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	86	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	83
0.2Ni/Al2O3		0.2Ni/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	83	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	83
2Ni/Al2O3		2Ni/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt-	76	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt-	76
3Ni/Al2O3		3Ni/Al2O3

EXAMPLE 12

[0079] In the same manner as in Example 1, catalysts were prepared by adding Ti or Si to Example Catalyst 36 while changing its contents, and also by changing Ti content of Example Catalyst 48 or by adding Si to Example Catalyst 48 while changing its content.

[0080] (Test Results)

[0081] NOx elimination efficiencies determined at 400° C. according to Test Example 3 are shown in Table 13. The catalysts containing 0.01 to 2 parts by mole of supported Ti or Si in terms of metal elements had a higher NOx elimination efficiency than 50% at 400C after SOx poisoning, showing high NOx elimination efficiencies.

TABLE 13
	NOx		NOx
	elimi-		elimi-
	nation		nation
	efficiency		efficiency
	(%),		(%),
Catalysts	400° C.	Catalysts	400° C.
LiNaKMnPd-0.005Ti-	39	NaMgMnPd0.005Ti-	43
RhPt/Al2O3		RhPt/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd0.01Ti-	54	NaMgMnPd0.01Ti-	57
RhPt/Al2O3		RhPt/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd0.1Ti-	75	NaMgMnPd0.1Ti-	68
RhPt/Al2O3		RhPt/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd0.2Ti-	79	NaMgMnPd0.2Ti-	76
RhPt/Al2O3		RhPt/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd2Ti-	58	NaMgMnPd2Ti-	51
RhPt/Al2O3		RhPt/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd3Ti-	43	NaMgMnPd3Ti-	34
RhPt/Al2O3		RhPt/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd0.005Si-	46	NaMgMnPd0.005Si-	41
RhPt/Al2O3		RhPt/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd0.01Si-	64	NaMgMnPd0.01Si-	54
RhPt/Al2O3		RhPt/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd0.1Si-	70	NaMgMnPd0.1Si-	62
RhPt/Al2O3		RhPt/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd0.2Si-	62	NaMgMnPd0.2Si-	60
RhPt/Al2O3		RhPt/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd2Si-	53	NaMgMnPd2Si-	56
RhPt/Al2O3		RhPt/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd3Si-	39	NaMgMnPd3Si-	39
RhPt/Al2O3		RhPt/Al2O3

EXAMPLE 13

[0082] In the same manner as in Example 1, catalysts were prepared by changing P and B contents of Example Catalysts 70 and 71. Test was the same as in Test Example 2.

[0083] (Test Results)

[0084] NOx elimination efficiencies determined at 500° C. according to Test Example 2 are shown in Table 14. The catalyst containing 0.01 to 2 parts by mole of supported P or B in terms of elements on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of alumina had higher NOx elimination efficiencies than 80% at 500° C. after heating at 800° C. for 5 hours, showing good NOx elimination efficiencies.

TABLE 14
	NOx		NOx
	elimi-		elimi-
	nation		nation
	efficiency		efficiency
	(%),		(%),
Catalysts	400° C.	Catalysts	400° C.
LiNaKMnPdTi0.01P-	95	LiNaKMnPdTi0.01B-	95
RhPt-Ce/Al2O3		RhPt-Ce/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPdTiP-	92	LiNaKMnPdTi1B-	88
RhPt-Ce/Al2O3		RhPt-Ce/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPdTi2P-	86	LiNaKMnPdTi2B-	81
RhPt-Ce/Al2O3		RhPt-Ce/Al2O3
LiNaKMnPdTi3P-	73	LiNaKMnPdTi3B-	71
RhPt-Ce/Al2O3		RhPt-Ce/Al2O3

EXAMPLE 14

[0085] In the same manner as in Example 1, catalysts were prepared by changing only amounts of coating per l of the honeycomb in Example Catalysts 36 and 48 without changing amounts of other supported components on A2O3.

[0086] (Test Results)

[0087] NOx elimination efficiencies determined at 400° C. according to Test Example 1 are shown in Table 15. The catalysts containing 0.3 to 4 moles of A2O3 coating/l of honeycomb in terms of A2O3 had higher NOx elimination efficiencies than 80% at 400° C., showing good NOx elimination efficiencies.

TABLE 15
	NOx		NOx
	elimination		elimination
	efficiency		efficiency
Catalysts	(%), 400° C.	Catalysts	(%), 400° C.
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt/	64	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt/	77
0.1Al2O3		0.1Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt/	82	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt/	84
0.3Al2O3		0.3Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt/	99	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt/	96
1.5Al2O3		1.5Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt/	90	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt/	84
3Al2O3		3Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt/	86	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt/	81
4Al2O3		4Al2O3
LiNaKMnPd-RhPt/	70	NaMgMnPdTi-RhPt/	61
6Al2O3		6Al2O3

EXAMPLE 15

[0088] As a hydrocarbon and CO combustion catalyst, a catalyst containing only Rh and Pt supported on an alumina coat honeycomb was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, where Rh and Pt contents were 0.002 parts by mole of Rh and 0.01 part by mole of Pt in terms of metal elements on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of alumina. Test was the same as in Test Example 1, and hydrocarbon and CO elimination efficiencies were determined by providing the combustion catalyst upstream or downstream of Example Catalyst 36 or 48 or with no provision of the combustion catalyst. Test temperature was 400° C.

[0089] (Test Results)

[0090] NOx elimination efficiencies determined at 400° C. according to Test Example 1 are shown in Table 16. Hydrocarbon and CO elimination efficiencies were improved by providing the combustion catalyst.

	TABLE 16
	C3H6 elimination	CO elimination
	efficiency (%),	efficiency (%),
	400° C.	400° C.
Example Catalyst 36
Hydrocarbon and CO combustion	93	94
catalyst not provided
Hydrocarbon and CO combustion	98	99
catalyst provided upstream
Hydrocarbon and CO combustion	99	100
catalyst provided downstream
Example Catalyst 48
Hydrocarbon and CO combustion	92	94
catalyst not provided
Hydrocarbon and CO combustion	99	97
catalyst provided upstream
Hydrocarbon and CO combustion	99	100
catalyst provided downstream

[0091] As described in detail above, nitrogen oxides can be eliminated with high efficiency in an oxygen excess atmosphere according to the present invention. The present catalyst has distinguished heat resistance and SOx resistance, so that a high elimination activity can be maintained for a long time.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0092] Automobile exhaust gases are now on a trend toward global emission regulation and fuel economy regulation and it is expectable that the market for lean-burn automobiles will surely expand. For the automobile exhaust gas purification catalysts, ternary catalysts have been so far used, but have failed to eliminate NOx contained in the exhaust gases emitted from lean-burn automobiles. The present exhaust gas purification catalyst can eliminate NOx contained in the exhaust gases emitted from the lean-burn automobiles with high elimination efficiency and ensures a very high industrial applicability.

Claims

1. An internal combustion engine exhaust gas purification apparatus, which comprises an exhaust gas purification catalyst provided in an internal combustion engine exhaust gas passage through which an air/fuel ratio-lean exhaust gas and an air/fuel ratio-rich or stoichiometric exhaust gas flows, characterized in that the exhaust gas purification catalyst comprises a porous carrier and an active component supported on the porous carrier, the active component comprising at least one member selected from Rh, Pt and Pd, at least one member selected from alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, and Mn.

2. An internal combustion engine exhaust gas purification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the active component further contains at least one of Ti and Si.

3. An internal combustion engine exhaust gas purification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the active component further contains at least one of Cu, Co and Ni.

4. An internal combustion engine exhaust gas purification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the active component further contains at least one of rare earth metals.

5. An internal combustion engine exhaust gas purification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the active component further contains at least one of P and B.

6. An internal combustion engine exhaust gas purification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a combustion catalyst capable of combusting HC and CO contained in the exhaust gas is provided at least at one of position upstream and downstream of the exhaust gas purification catalyst in the exhaust gas passage.

7. An internal combustion engine exhaust gas purification process, which comprises contacting an exhaust gas emitted from a lean-burn operated internal combustion engine with an exhaust gas purification catalyst, thereby purifying the exhaust gas, characterized in that the exhaust gas is contacted with a catalyst comprising at least one member selected from Rh, Pt and Pd, at least one member selected from alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, and Mn, supported on a porous carrier.

8. An internal combustion engine exhaust gas purification process according to claim 7, characterized in that operation of the internal combustion engine is temporarily shifted from the lean-burn operation to a theoretical air/fuel ratio operation or a fuel excess operation, thereby bringing an air/fuel ratio of the exhaust gas into a stoichiometric or fuel-rich state to regenerate the exhaust gas purification catalyst.

9. An internal combustion engine exhaust gas purification process according to claim 7, characterized in that the exhaust gas is contacted with a combustion catalyst capable of combusting HC and CO and then with the exhaust gas purification catalyst.

10. An internal combustion engine exhaust gas purification process according to claim 7, characterized in that the exhaust gas purified by the exhaust gas purification catalyst is further contacted with a combustion catalyst capable of combusting HC and CO.

11. A lean NOx elimination catalyst, which comprises a porous carrier and an active component supported on the porous carrier, characterized in that the active component comprises at least one member selected from Rh, Pt and Pd, at least one member selected from alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, and Mn, amounts of supported active metals being 0.0003 to 0.01 part by mole of Rh, 0.002 to 0.05 parts by mole of Pt and 0.001 to 0.2 parts by mole of Pd, 0.05 to 3 parts by mole each of the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals and 0.05 to 2 parts by mole of Mn in terms of metal elements on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of the porous carrier.

12. A lean NOx elimination catalyst according to claim 11, characterized in that the active component contains all of Rh, Pt and Pd.

13. A lean NOx elimination catalyst according to claim 11, characterized in that the active component further contains at least one of Ti and Si, amounts of supported Ti and Si being 0.01 to 2 parts by mole each in terms of metal elements on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of the porous carrier.

14. A lean NOx elimination catalyst according to claim 11, characterized in that the active component further contains at least one of Ni, Co and Cu, amounts of supported Ni, Co and Cu being 0.01 to 2 parts by mole each in terms of metal elements on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of the porous carrier.

15. A lean NOx elimination catalyst according to claim 11, characterized in that the active component further contains at least one of rare earth metals, amounts of supported rare earth metals being 0.02 to 0.5 parts by mole each in terms of metal elements on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of the porous carrier.

16. A lean NOx elimination catalyst according to claim 11, characterized in that the active component further contains at least one of P and B, amounts of supported P and B being 0.01 to 2 parts by mole each in terms of metal elements on the basis of 1.5 parts by mole of the porous carrier.

17. A lean NOx elimination catalyst according to claim 11, characterized in that the porous carrier is supported on a substrate, an amount of the supported porous carrier being 0.3 to 4 moles on the basis of 1 l of the subrate.