Lean Catalytic Combustion for Ultra-low Emissions at High Temperature in Gas-Turbine Burners

Abstract

Catalytic systems for methane combustion, with Rh and Pt in a BaZrO3-based perovskite, were synthesized at the University of L’Aquila and tested at close to industrial conditions at the KTH Energy Centre in Stockholm. Because of the resistance to high temperature of BaZrO3 (up to ∼2600 °C), such systems are suitable for resolving stability problems frequently encountered with high-temperature operations. Furthermore, these perovskites contain the noble metal in a high oxidation state, giving rise to very active compounds. They also result in ultra-low emissions, compatible with legislation in such places as southern California and Japan.