Synthesis of Al₂O₃-silica fibers supported on a V₂O₅-K₂SO₄ catalyst used for soot combustion

An Al₂O₃-silica fiber support was prepared by first impregnating a Al(NO₃)₃ solution on a silica fiber mat on which sacrificial carbon nanofibers had been formed by chemical-vapor deposition, followed by burning in air. The support was further impregnated with a solution containing NH₄VO₃ and K₂SO₄ to prepare the Al₂O₃-silica fiber supported V₂O₅-K₂SO₄ catalyst. The catalyst can greatly decrease the combustion temperature of soot by around 200℃, which is promising for decreasing soot emission in diesel-powered vehicles.