Exhaust gas purification catalyst

Abstract

An exhaust gas purification catalyst, excellent in the NOx purification capacity and the HC purification capacity, includes a substrate and a catalyst coating layer formed on the surface of the substrate, wherein the catalyst coating layer comprises the upper and lower layer including a lower layer being closer to the surface of the substrate and an upper layer being relatively remote from the surface of the substrate. The upper layer of the catalyst coating layer includes Rh, Pd, and a carrier. The lower layer of the catalyst coating layer includes at least one noble metal selected from Pd and Pt and a carrier. 65% by mass or more of Pd in the upper layer exists in a layer up to 50% of the upper layer in a thickness direction from the surface of the upper layer being relatively remote from the surface of the substrate. The ratio of Pd to Rh by mass (Pd/Rh) is 0.5 to 7.0 in the upper layer.

Claims

1. An exhaust gas purification catalyst comprising a substrate and a catalyst coating layer formed on the surface of the substrate, wherein the catalyst coating layer comprises the upper and lower layer comprising a lower layer being closer to the surface of the substrate and an upper layer being relatively remote from the surface of the substrate, the upper layer of the catalyst coating layer comprises Rh and Pd, and a carrier, the lower layer of the catalyst coating layer comprises at least one noble metal selected from Pd and Pt, and a carrier, 65% by mass or more of Pd in the upper layer exists in a layer up to 50% of the upper layer in a thickness direction from the surface of the upper layer being relatively remote from the surface of the substrate, and the ratio of Pd to Rh by mass (Pd/Rh) in the upper layer is 0.5 to 7.0.

2. The exhaust gas purification catalyst according to claim 1, wherein 85% by mass or more of Pd in the upper layer exists in a layer up to 50% of the upper layer in a thickness direction from the surface of the upper layer being relatively remote from the surface of the substrate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of this disclosure.

(2) FIG. 2 shows a correlation between the amount of Pd existing in the surface layer and the HC purification ratio of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 after the tolerance test.

(3) FIG. 3 shows a correlation between the amount of Pd existing in the surface layer and the NOx purification ratio of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 after the tolerance test.

(4) FIG. 4 shows a correlation between the Pd/Rh ratio and the NOx purification ratio of Examples 2 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 after the tolerance test.

(5) FIG. 5 shows a correlation between the Pd/Rh ratio and the HC purification ratio of Examples 2 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 after the tolerance test.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(6) Hereafter, preferable embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail.

(7) In this description, features of this disclosure are described with reference to relevant drawings. In the drawings, dimensions and configurations of components are exaggerated for clarification, and actual dimensions and configurations are not accurately demonstrated. Accordingly, the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the dimensions and the configurations of the components demonstrated in the drawings.

(8) This disclosure relates to an exhaust gas purification catalyst. Specifically, this disclosure relates to an exhaust gas purification catalyst comprising a substrate and a catalyst coating layer formed on the surface of the substrate, wherein the catalyst coating layer comprises the upper and lower layer comprising a lower layer being closer to the surface of the substrate and an upper layer being relatively remote from the surface of the substrate, the upper layer of the catalyst coating layer comprises Rh, Pd, and a carrier, the lower layer of the catalyst coating layer comprises at least one noble metal selected from Pd and Pt and a carrier, 65% by mass or more of Pd in the upper layer exists in a layer up to 50% of the upper layer in a thickness direction from the surface of the upper layer being relatively remote from the surface of the substrate, and the ratio of Pd to Rh by mass (Pd/Rh) is 0.5 to 7.0 in the upper layer (hereafter, it is also referred to as the catalyst of this disclosure). The inventors of this disclosure discovered the optimal Pd disposition and the Pd/Rh ratio that would enable the improved HC purification capacity without deteriorating the NOx purification capacity.

(9) FIG. 1 schematically shows a structure of the catalyst according to an embodiment of this disclosure. A catalyst 1 of this disclosure comprises a substrate 11 and a catalyst coating layer 12 formed on the surface of the substrate. The catalyst coating layer 12 comprises the upper and lower layer with a lower layer 13 being closer to the surface of the substrate and an upper layer 14 being relatively remote from the surface of the substrate. The upper layer 14 is composed of a layer 15 up to 50% of the upper layer in a thickness direction from the surface of the upper layer being relatively remote from the surface of the substrate (hereafter, it is also referred to as a surface layer) and a layer 16 up to 50% of the upper layer in a thickness direction from the surface of the upper layer being relatively closer to the surface of the substrate.

(10) The catalyst of this disclosure comprises a substrate and a catalyst coating layer formed on the surface of the substrate. The substrate is preferably in a honeycomb, pellet, or particle form, and a monolith substrate of a honeycomb structure is more preferable. Also, the substrate preferably comprises a thermostable inorganic matter such as cordierite or metal. With the use of a substrate having features described above, the exhaust gas purification capacity can be exerted at high temperatures. The wording per liter of the substrate volume used herein refers to an amount relative to a bulk volume of 1 liter of the whole including the pure volume of the substrate and the volume of a cell pathway. The amount indicated with (g/l) below indicates an amount contained in 1 liter of the substrate volume.

(11) Regarding the catalyst of this disclosure, the catalyst coating layer comprises the upper and lower layer comprising a lower layer being closer to the surface of the substrate and an upper layer being relatively remote from the surface of the substrate, the upper layer of the catalyst coating layer comprises Rh and Pd, and a carrier, and the lower layer of the catalyst coating layer comprises at least one noble metal selected from Pd and Pt and a carrier. The upper layer is preferably the uppermost layer of the catalyst coating layer, and the upper layer is preferably in contact with the lower layer. Pd and Pt primarily contribute to performance of carbon monoxide (CO) purification and hydrocarbon (HC) purification (the oxidative purification capacity). Rh primarily contributes to performance of NOx purification (the reducing purification capacity).

(12) In the catalyst of this disclosure, the lower layer of the catalyst coating layer comprises at least one noble metal selected from Pd and Pt and a carrier. The lower layer of the catalyst coating layer may comprise other noble metals, such as ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Jr), osmium (Os), or rhodium (Rh), provided that performance of Pd or Pt is not adversely affected.

(13) A carrier to be incorporated into the lower layer is not particularly limited, provided that such carrier can be used for a common exhaust gas purification catalyst. For example, use of an OSC material having the oxygen storage capacity as disclosed in JP 2013-136032 A as a carrier is preferable. When the air-fuel ratio of an exhaust gas is lean (i.e., a hyperoxic atmosphere), an OSC material stores oxygen in the exhaust gas. When the air-fuel ratio of an exhaust gas is rich (i.e., an excess fuel atmosphere), in contrast, an OSC material discharges the stored oxygen. Examples of such OSC materials include cerium oxide (ceria: CeO.sub.2) and a composite oxide containing ceria, such as a ceria-zirconia composite oxide (a CeO.sub.2ZrO.sub.2 composite oxide). When the lower layer contains Pd, barium (Ba) may be added to the carrier. With the addition of Ba to the carrier of the lower layer, poisoning of Pd by HC can be suppressed, and catalytic activity can be enhanced. Also, use of a material with a high specific surface area is preferable since the carrier comprises a noble metal such as Pd carried thereon.

(14) A total content of at least one noble metal selected from Pd and Pt in the lower layer is not particularly limited, provided that sufficient catalytic activity is achieved, and a necessary amount thereof can be added.

(15) The lower layer may be formed by coating the surface of the substrate (e.g., a honeycomb substrate) with a slurry containing carrier particles and allowing Pd or the like to be carried thereon. Alternatively, the substrate surface may be coated with a slurry containing catalyst powders of Pd or the like carried on the carrier particles.

(16) A noble metal such as Pd may be carried on the carrier of the lower layer by any method without particular limitation. For example, carrier particles containing OSC materials may be impregnated with an aqueous solution containing palladium salt (e.g., nitrate salt) or a palladium complex (e.g., a tetraammine complex).

(17) In the step of forming the lower layer via coating, the slurry preferably contains a binder so as to adequately adhere the slurry to the substrate surface. Use of a binder, such as alumina sol or silica sol, is preferable. Slurry viscosity is adequately adjusted, so that the slurry can easily flow into cells of the substrate (e.g., a honeycomb substrate).

(18) While the amount of the lower layer formed (i.e., the amount of coating) is not particularly limited, for example, such amount is preferably about 40 g to 200 g per liter of the substrate volume. Thus, the carried noble metal particles can be prevented from growing, and an increase in pressure loss occurring when an exhaust gas passes through the cells of the substrate can be prevented.

(19) While the conditions for drying the slurry applied on the substrate surface vary depending on the configuration and the dimensions of the substrate or carrier, typically, dehydration is carried out at about 80 C. to 150 C. (e.g., 100 C. to 130 C.) for about 1 to 10 hours and calcining is carried out at about 300 C. to 800 C. (e.g., 400 C. to 600 C.) for about 1 to 4 hours.

(20) Regarding the catalyst of this disclosure, the upper layer of the catalyst coating layer comprises Rh and Pd, and a carrier. The upper layer of the catalyst coating layer may comprise other noble metals, such as platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Jr), and osmium (Os), provided that performance of Rh and Pd is not adversely affected.

(21) In order to achieve both the NOx purification capacity and the HC purification capacity, the catalyst of this disclosure comprises, in the surface layer, 65% by mass or more, preferably 85% by mass or more, and more preferably 90% by mass or more of Pd in the upper layer. The amount of Pd in the surface layer can be determined by measuring the PGM distribution in the upper layer of the catalyst coating layer with the use of a field-emission electron probe microanalyzer (FE-EPMA). For example, such amount can be determined by the method described in the section [II-1. Physical property evaluation] below.

(22) In order to achieve both the NOx purification capacity and the HC purification capacity, also, the catalyst of this disclosure comprises Pd and Rh at a ratio of Pd to Rh by mass (Pd/Rh) of 0.5 to 7.0, preferably 0.5 to 6.4, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0 in the upper layer of the catalyst coating layer. The NOx purification capacity and the HC purification capacity can be improved by disposing a particular amount of Pd relative to Rh in the upper layer where the catalyst sufficiently contacts with a gas. The ratio of Pd to Rh by mass (Pd/Rh) can be determined based on the proportion of the amount of Pd adsorbed in the upper layer to the amount of Rh carried on the upper layer. For example, such amount can be determined by the method described in the section [II-1. Physical property evaluation] below.

(23) A carrier to be incorporated into the upper layer is not particularly limited, provided that it can be used for a common exhaust gas purification catalyst. For example, zirconia (ZrO.sub.2), alumina (Al.sub.2O.sub.3), a solid solution thereof, or a composite oxide thereof as disclosed in JP 2013-136032 A is preferably used as a carrier. For example, a ZrO.sub.2-containing carrier is preferable. Rh carried on ZrO.sub.2 generates hydrogen from HC in the exhaust gas through a hydrogen reforming reaction. Because of the reduction power of hydrogen, NOx in the exhaust gas is purified more sufficiently. A carrier to be incorporated into the upper layer of the catalyst coating layer may comprise a carrier material other than a ZrO.sub.2 composite oxide. Examples of preferable carrier materials include metal oxides that are porous and thermostable. For example, use of Al.sub.2O.sub.3 is preferable. Al.sub.2O.sub.3 has a larger specific area and higher tolerance (thermostability, in particular), compared with a ZrO.sub.2 composite oxide. By allowing Rh to be carried on Al.sub.2O.sub.3, accordingly, thermostability of the entire carrier can be improved, and an adequate amount of Rh can be carried on the entire carrier. While a carrier to be incorporated into the upper layer of the catalyst coating layer may comprise CeO.sub.2 so as to achieve the oxygen storage capacity, a smaller amount thereof is preferable, so that NOx activity of Rh would not be deteriorated. Alternatively, a carrier may not comprise CeO.sub.2.

(24) The Pd content in the upper layer is preferably 0.025 to 1.5 g/l, and more preferably 0.05 g/l to 0.8 g/l, relative to the substrate volume, so as to achieve the sufficient catalytic activity. The Pd content in the surface layer of the catalyst coating layer is preferably 0.016 g/l to 0.975 g/l, and more preferably 0.03 g/l to 0.52 g/l, relative to the substrate volume, so as to achieve the sufficient catalytic activity.

(25) The upper layer may be formed by coating the surface of the lower layer with a slurry containing carrier particles comprising Rh carried thereon, and allowing the resultant to absorb an aqueous solution containing palladium salt (e.g., nitrate salt) or a palladium complex (e.g., a tetraammine complex). Thus, Pd is carried thereon. Pd may be carried on the upper layer surface via coating, impregnation, spraying, or other means. An aqueous solution of Pd can be prepared with the addition of nitric acid to a Pd solution (an acid species is not limited and acetic acid, citric acid, or the like may also be added). The amount of Pd carried on the upper layer can be adjusted by adequately regulating a pH level of the aqueous solution of Pd. In general, adsorption of Pd to the material constituting the upper layer is inhibited by lowering a pH level, and the aqueous solution of Pd can penetrate deep in the upper layer. By lowering a pH level of the aqueous solution of Pd to 1 or lower, accordingly, the upper layer can carry Pd in a manner such that about 65% of Pd by mass in the upper layer can be disposed in the surface layer. When a pH level of the aqueous solution of Pd is regulated within a range from 1 to 2, adsorption of Pd to the material constituting the upper layer is not inhibited. As a consequence, the upper layer can carry Pd in a manner such that about 85% to 90% of Pd by mass in the upper layer can be disposed in the surface layer.

(26) Rh may be carried on the carrier of the upper layer by any method without particular limitation. For example, carrier particles containing a ZrO.sub.2 composite oxide may be allowed to impregnate into an aqueous solution containing rhodium salt (e.g., nitrate salt) or a rhodium complex (e.g., a tetraammine complex).

(27) In the step of forming the upper layer via coating, the slurry preferably contains a binder so as to adequately adhere the slurry to the surface of the lower layer. Use of a binder, such as alumina sol or silica sol, is preferable. Slurry viscosity is adequately adjusted, so that the slurry can easily flow into cells of the substrate (e.g., a honeycomb substrate).

(28) While the amount of the upper layer formed (i.e., the amount of coating) is not particularly limited, for example, such amount is preferably about 20 g to 200 g per liter of the substrate volume. Thus, the carried Rh and Pd particles can be prevented from growing, and an increase in pressure loss occurring when an exhaust gas passes through the cells of the substrate can be prevented.

(29) While the conditions for drying the slurry applied on the lower layer surface vary depending on the configuration and the dimensions of the substrate or carrier, typically, dehydration is carried out at about 80 C. to 150 C. (e.g., 100 C. to 130 C.) for about 1 to 10 hours and calcining is carried out at about 300 C. to 800 C. (e.g., 400 C. to 600 C.) for about 1 to 4 hours.

(30) The catalyst of this disclosure provides the NOx purification ratio at 500 C. of preferably 97.75% or higher, and more preferably 98.4% or higher, after the tolerance test. Also, the catalyst of this disclosure provides the HC purification ratio at 500 C. of preferably 73.9% or higher, and more preferably 77.0% or higher, after the tolerance test. The NOx purification ratio and the HC purification ratio can be determined by, for example, the method described in the section [II-3. Property evaluation] below.

(31) The tolerance test is carried out by exposing a catalyst or the like, which is a test subject, to the exhaust gas atmosphere resulting from combustion of a mixed gas or the gas atmosphere having a gas composition simulating such exhaust gas at about 800 C. to 1,100 C. for 1 to 70 hours. In general, the tolerance test is carried out to evaluate tolerance of an exhaust gas purification catalyst. The tolerance test can be carried out by, for example, the method described in the section [II-2. Tolerance test] below.

EXAMPLES

(32) Hereafter, this disclosure is described in greater detail with reference to the following examples, although the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to these examples.

(33) <I. Preparation of Catalyst>

(34) [I-1. Raw Materials]

(35) (1) Raw Materials Used as Carriers are as Described Below.

(36) Material 1 (Al.sub.2O.sub.3)

(37) An La.sub.2O.sub.3/Al.sub.2O.sub.3-composite was used (La.sub.2O.sub.3: 1 wt % to 10 wt %).

(38) Material 2 (ACZ)

(39) An Al.sub.2O.sub.3CeO.sub.2ZrO.sub.2 composite oxide was used (CeO.sub.2: 15 wt % to 30 wt %), which was made highly thermostable with the addition of very small amounts of Nd.sub.2O.sub.3, La.sub.2O.sub.3, and Y.sub.2O.sub.3.

(40) Material 3 (CZ)

(41) A CeO.sub.2ZrO.sub.2 composite oxide was used. From the viewpoint of OSC properties, 1 wt % to 10 wt % of Pr.sub.2O.sub.3 was added thereto.

(42) (2) Raw Materials Used as Substrate are as Described Below.

(43) A 875-cc cordierite honeycomb substrate (a 600-cell hexagonal substrate; wall thickness: 2 miliinches (mil)) was used.

(44) [I-2. Preparation of Catalyst]

Comparative Example 1

(45) Lower layer: Pd (0.23)+ACZ (45)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (40)+Ba sulfate (5)+CZ (10)

(46) Upper layer: Rh (0.11)+ACZ (100)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (30)

(47) A suspension [Slurry 1] was prepared by introducing Pd nitrate, ACZ (Material 2), Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (Material 1), Ba sulfate, Material 3, and an Al.sub.2O.sub.3-based binder.

(48) The prepared [Slurry 1] was introduced into the substrate, and unnecessary components were blown away using a blower to coat the wall surface of the substrate. The amounts of coating materials were as follows: 0.23 g/l of Pd, 45 g/l of ACZ (Material 2), 40 g/l of Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (Material 1), 5 g/l of Ba sulfate, and 10 g/l of CZ (Material 3), relative to the substrate volume. In the end, the resultant was dried in a dryer maintained at 120 C. for 2 hours and then calcined in an electric furnace at 500 C. for 2 hours. Thus, the lower layer was formed.

(49) A suspension [Slurry 2] was prepared by introducing Rh nitrate, ACZ (Material 2), Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (Material 1), and an Al.sub.2O.sub.3-based binder.

(50) The prepared [Slurry 2] was introduced into the substrate comprising the lower layer formed thereon, and unnecessary components were blown away using a blower to coat the upper layer. The amounts of coating materials were as follows: 0.11 g/l of Rh, 100 g/l of ACZ (Material 2), and 30 g/l of Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (Material 1), relative to the substrate volume. In the end, the resultant was dried in a dryer maintained at 120 C. for 2 hours and then calcined in an electric furnace at 500 C. for 2 hours. Thus, the catalyst was obtained.

Comparative Example 2

(51) Lower layer: Pd (0.23)+ACZ (45)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (40)+Ba sulfate (5)+CZ (10)

(52) Upper layer: Rh (0.11)+ACZ (100)+Pd (0.7)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (30)

(53) The catalyst was obtained in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that the step of preparing the Pd-containing [Slurry 3] was carried out instead of the step of preparing [Slurry 2] of Comparative Example 1.

(54) A suspension [Slurry 3] was prepared by introducing Pd nitrate, ACZ (Material 2), Rh nitrate, Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (Material 1), and an Al.sub.2O.sub.3-based binder.

(55) The prepared [Slurry 3] was introduced into a substrate comprising a lower layer formed thereon, and unnecessary components were blown away using a blower to coat the upper layer. The amounts of coating materials were as follows: 0.11 g/l of Rh, 0.7 g/l of Pd, 100 g/l of ACZ (Material 2), and 30 g/l of Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (Material 1), relative to the substrate volume. In the end, the resultant was dried in a dryer maintained at 120 C. for 2 hours and then calcined in an electric furnace at 500 C. for 2 hours. Thus, the catalyst was obtained.

(56) In such a case, 50% of Pd in the upper layer exists in the surface layer (i.e., a layer up to 50% of the upper layer in a thickness direction from the surface of the upper layer being relatively remote from the surface of the substrate).

Comparative Example 3

(57) Lower layer: Pd (0.23)+ACZ (45)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (40)+Ba sulfate (5)+CZ (10)

(58) Upper layer: Rh (0.11)+ACZ (100)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (30)+Pd (1.2)

(59) The catalyst was obtained in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that Pd was carried on the substrate after the upper layer was coated in Comparative Example 1.

(60) The upper layer coat dried and calcined in Comparative Example 1 was allowed to adsorb a Pd solution, and unnecessary components were blown away using a blower to have Pd carried thereon at 1.2 g/l. The resultant was dried in a dryer maintained at 120 C. for 2 hours and then calcined in an electric furnace at 500 C. for 2 hours. Thus, the catalyst was obtained. An upper layer containing Rh and Pd was prepared as a consequence. In such a case, a pH level of the Pd solution was adjusted to 1 to 2, so that about 90% of Pd would be disposed in the surface layer.

Comparative Example 4

(61) Lower layer: Pd (0.23)+ACZ (45)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (40)+Ba sulfate (5)+CZ (10)

(62) Upper layer: Rh (0.11)+ACZ (100)+Pd (0.055)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (30)

(63) The catalyst was obtained in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2, except that the amounts of materials for upper layer coating relative to the substrate volume were as follows: 0.11 g/l of Rh, 0.055 g/l of Pd, 100 g/l of ACZ (Material 2), and 30 g/l of Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (Material 1).

(64) In such a case, 50% of Pd in the upper layer exists in the surface layer (i.e., a layer up to 50% of the upper layer in a thickness direction from the surface of the upper layer being relatively remote from the surface of the substrate).

Comparative Example 5

(65) Lower layer: Pd (0.23)+ACZ (45)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (40)+Ba sulfate (5)+CZ (10)

(66) Upper layer: Rh (0.11)+ACZ (100)+Pd (0.20)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (30)

(67) The catalyst was obtained in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2, except that the amounts of materials for upper layer coating relative to the substrate volume were as follows: 0.11 g/l of Rh, 0.20 g/l of Pd, 100 g/l of ACZ (Material 2), and 30 g/l of Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (Material 1).

(68) In such a case, 50% of Pd in the upper layer exists in the surface layer (i.e., a layer up to 50% of the upper layer in a thickness direction from the surface of the upper layer being relatively remote from the surface of the substrate).

Example 1

(69) Lower layer: Pd (0.23)+ACZ (45)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (40)+Ba sulfate (5)+CZ (10)

(70) Upper layer: Rh (0.11)+ACZ (100)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (30)+Pd (0.7)

(71) The catalyst was obtained in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that Pd was carried on the substrate after the upper layer was coated in Comparative Example 1.

(72) The upper layer coat dried and calcined in Comparative Example 1 was allowed to adsorb a Pd solution, and unnecessary components were blown away using a blower to have Pd carried thereon at 0.7 g/l. The resultant was dried in a dryer maintained at 120 C. for 2 hours and then calcined in an electric furnace at 500 C. for 2 hours. Thus, the catalyst was obtained. An upper layer containing Rh and Pd was prepared as a consequence. In such a case, a pH level of the Pd solution was adjusted to 1 or lower, so that about 65% of Pd by mass would be disposed in the surface layer.

Example 2

(73) Lower layer: Pd (0.23)+ACZ (45)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (40)+Ba sulfate (5)+CZ (10)

(74) Upper layer: Rh (0.11)+ACZ (100)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (30)+Pd (0.7)

(75) The catalyst was obtained in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that Pd was carried on the substrate after the upper layer was coated in Comparative Example 1.

(76) The upper layer coat dried and calcined in Comparative Example 1 was allowed to adsorb a Pd solution, and unnecessary components were blown away using a blower to have Pd carried thereon at 0.7 g/l. The resultant was dried in a dryer maintained at 120 C. for 2 hours and then calcined in an electric furnace at 500 C. for 2 hours. Thus, the catalyst was obtained. An upper layer containing Rh and Pd was prepared as a consequence. In such a case, a pH level of the Pd solution was adjusted to 1 to 2, so that about 90% of Pd would be disposed in the surface layer.

Example 3

(77) Lower layer: Pd (0.23)+ACZ (45)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (40)+Ba sulfate (5)+CZ (10)

(78) Upper layer: Rh (0.11)+ACZ (100)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (30)+Pd (0.33)

(79) The catalyst was obtained in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that Pd was carried on the substrate after the upper layer was coated in Comparative Example 1.

(80) The upper layer coat dried and calcined in Comparative Example 1 was allowed to adsorb a Pd solution, and unnecessary components were blown away using a blower to have Pd carried thereon at 0.33 g/l. The resultant was dried in a dryer maintained at 120 C. for 2 hours and then calcined in an electric furnace at 500 C. for 2 hours. Thus, the catalyst was obtained. An upper layer containing Rh and Pd was prepared as a consequence. In such a case, a pH level of the Pd solution was adjusted to 1 to 2, so that about 90% of Pd would be disposed in the surface layer.

Example 4

(81) Lower layer: Pd (0.23)+ACZ (45)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (40)+Ba sulfate (5)+CZ (10)

(82) Upper layer: Rh (0.11)+ACZ (100)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (30)+Pd (0.055)

(83) The catalyst was obtained in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that Pd was carried on the substrate after the upper layer was coated in Comparative Example 1.

(84) The upper layer coat dried and calcined in Comparative Example 1 was allowed to adsorb a Pd solution, and unnecessary components were blown away using a blower to have Pd carried thereon at 0.055 g/l. The resultant was dried in a dryer maintained at 120 C. for 2 hours and then calcined in an electric furnace at 500 C. for 2 hours. Thus, the catalyst was obtained. An upper layer containing Rh and Pd was prepared as a consequence. In such a case, a pH level of the Pd solution was adjusted to 1 to 2, so that about 90% of Pd would be disposed in the surface layer.

Example 5

(85) Lower layer: Pd (0.23)+ACZ (45)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (40)+Ba sulfate (5)+CZ (10)

(86) Upper layer: Rh (0.11)+ACZ (100)+Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (30)+Pd (0.20)

(87) The catalyst was obtained in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that Pd was carried on the substrate after the upper layer was coated in Comparative Example 1.

(88) The upper layer coat dried and calcined in Comparative Example 1 was allowed to adsorb a Pd solution, and unnecessary components were blown away using a blower to have Pd carried thereon at 0.20 g/l. The resultant was dried in a dryer maintained at 120 C. for 2 hours and then calcined in an electric furnace at 500 C. for 2 hours. Thus, the catalyst was obtained. An upper layer containing Rh and Pd was prepared as a consequence. In such a case, a pH level of the Pd solution was adjusted to 1 to 2, so that about 90% of Pd would be disposed in the surface layer.

(89) <II. Method for Evaluation of Catalyst>

(90) [II-1. Physical Property Evaluation]

(91) Physical property evaluation was carried out by cutting catalysts (after the tolerance test) into pieces of given sizes, embedding the catalyst pieces in resin, polishing, vapor-depositing Au thereon, and evaluating the subjects using FE-EPMA (JXA-8530F, JEOL).

(92) Specifically, the amount of Pd existing in the surface layer was determined by observing the catalyst coating layer using FE-EPMA, conducting Pd line analysis of a cross section of the catalyst coating layer in a thickness direction, multiplying the amount of Pd in the upper layer and the amount of the Pd element existing in the layer up to 50% of the upper layer in a thickness direction from the surface, and determining the amount of Pd existing in the upper half of the upper layer.

(93) The ratio of Pd to Rh by mass (Pd/Rh) in the upper layer was determined on the basis of the proportion of the amount of Pd absorbed to the upper layer coat to the amount of Rh carried on the upper layer coat.

(94) [II-2. Tolerance Test]

(95) Catalysts were subjected to the tolerance test using actual engines. Specifically, the tolerance test was performed by mounting the catalysts on the exhaust systems of V-shaped 8-cylinder engines, and repeatedly applying exhaust gas in a stoichiometric atmosphere and in a lean atmosphere at given intervals over a period of 50 hours at catalyst bed temperature of 1,000 C.

(96) [II-3. Property Evaluation]

(97) Catalyst activity was evaluated using L-4 engines.

(98) T50 Evaluation

(99) The exhaust gas with the air-fuel ratio (A/F) of 14.4 (rich) was applied, and temperature-increasing properties (up to 500 C.) under high Ga conditions (Ga=35 g/s) were evaluated (SV=110,000 hr.sup.1). Catalyst activity was evaluated on the basis of the rate of purification when the temperature of the introduced gas reached 500 C.

(100) <III. Results of Catalyst Evaluation>

(101) The results of catalyst evaluation obtained as a result of [II-1. Physical property evaluation] and [II-3. Property evaluation] above are shown in Table 1.

(102) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Location of Pd Percentage of About 500 C. Amount of Pd added in the Pd in the surface Pd/Rh NOx purification HC purification in the upper upper layer layer (mass %) ratio ratio (%) ratio (%) layer (g/l) Comp. Not added 0 0.0 97.7 71.94 0 Ex. 1 Comp. Pd evenly 50 6.4 97.65 76.54 0.7 Ex. 2 added Comp. Mainly in the 89 10.9 96.75 83.29 1.20 Ex. 3 surface layer Comp. Pd evenly 50 0.5 98.4 72.28 0.055 Ex. 4 added Comp. Pd evenly 50 1.8 98.2 73.85 0.20 Ex. 5 added Ex. 1 Mainly in the 65 6.4 97.76 77.74 0.7 surface layer Ex. 2 Mainly in the 89 6.4 98.05 81.22 0.7 surface layer Ex. 3 Mainly in the 90 3.0 98.46 78.53 0.33 surface layer Ex. 4 Mainly in the 92 0.5 98.6 73.96 0.055 surface layer Ex. 5 Mainly in the 92 1.8 98.5 74.88 0.20 surface layer

(103) FIG. 2 shows the correlation between the amount of Pd disposed in the surface layer and the HC purification ratio of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 after the tolerance test. FIG. 3 shows the correlation between the amount of Pd disposed in the surface layer and the NOx purification ratio of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 after the tolerance test. As is apparent from FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the NOx purification ratio and the HC purification ratio are improved as the amount of Pd disposed in the surface layer is increased. When the amount of Pd disposed in the surface layer is 65% by mass or more, specifically, the excellent NOx purification capacity and the excellent HC purification capacity can be achieved for the following reasons. That is, Pd is mainly disposed in the surface layer of the upper layer, an area in which both Pd and Rh are disposed is small, and NOx deterioration can thus be reduced.

(104) FIG. 4 shows the correlation between the Pd/Rh ratio and the NOx purification ratio of Examples 2 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 after the tolerance test. As is apparent from FIG. 4, the NOx purification ratio is improved as the Pd/Rh ratio is reduced. When the Pd/Rh ratio is 0.5 to 7.0, the NOx purification ratio is improved, compared with Comparative Example 1 and corresponding comparative examples in which the amount of Pd in the upper layer is the same.

(105) FIG. 5 shows the correlation between the Pd/Rh ratio and the HC purification ratio of Examples 2 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 after the tolerance test. When the Pd/Rh ratio is 0.5 to 7.0, as shown in FIG. 5, the HC purification ratio is improved, compared with Comparative Example 1 and corresponding comparative examples in which the amount of Pd in the upper layer is the same.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS

(106) 1: The catalyst of this disclosure 11: A substrate 12: A catalyst coating layer 13: A lower layer 14: An upper layer 15: A layer up to 50% of the upper layer in a thickness direction from the surface of the upper layer being relatively remote from the surface of the substrate (the surface layer) 16: A layer up to 50% of the upper layer in a thickness direction from the surface of the upper layer being relatively closer to the surface of the substrate

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

(107) The exhaust gas purification catalyst of this disclosure can be particularly preferable for an exhaust gas purification catalyst of an automobile.