Considering the risks
of hydrothermal deterioration in vehicles,
power plants, and oceangoing vessels, V
2
O
5
-WO
3
/TiO
2
catalysts were subject to hydrothermal and
thermal aging at 600, 625, 635, and 650 °C for 4–48 h.
The different ratio and significant loss of active sites are main
reasons for catalyst deactivation. Both Lewis and Brønsted acid
sites are involved in the selective catalytic reduction reaction.
Brønsted acid sites are more susceptible. High temperature plays
a major role in the aging. It causes sintering, particle growth, and
the anatase phase transition. Phase transformation turns out to be
less important than sintering. Sintering leads to the reduction of
the BET surface area, which in turn causes decrease of NH
3
adsorption amount and changes of active sites. Aging time can accelerate
the degree of deactivation. It also helps to change the proportion
of active sites. Water vapor has no significant effect on NO
X
conversion rates.