The Photocatalysis project, led by Queen’s University Belfast in partnership with AgriAD, SM components and Alternatech, developed a novel photocatalytic system to reduce harmful emissions from natural gas and dual-fuel vehicles—those running on a mix of diesel and biomethane. While diesel catalytic converters are effective for traditional engines, they are not optimised for the unique emissions profile of dual-fuel systems, which include residual methane alongside NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Methane, though less toxic, is a potent greenhouse gas and not adequately treated by standard diesel after-treatment technologies.
To address this, the team developed a photocatalytic reactor using TiO₂ supported on alumina derived from recycled aluminium foil waste (ANFL). Doped with palladium and platinum, this eco-friendly catalyst demonstrated high activity for hydrogen production from glycerol, achieving up to 4.2 mmol H₂ g⁻¹ TiO₂ hr⁻¹ in a propeller fluidised photoreactor. The ANFL support outperformed commercial alumina, highlighting the potential of circular economy materials in advanced emissions control.
The project also designed a vehicle-compatible photocatalytic system using LED illumination to activate the catalyst and prevent ‘cold start’ issues; offering a low-energy alternative to thermal and plasma-based methods. Real-world testing confirmed the system’s viability for reducing methane, NOx, and VOCs in dual-fuel exhaust streams.
This innovation supports Northern Ireland’s transition to cleaner transport, enabling wider adoption of biomethane-powered vehicles. It improves air quality, reduces fuel costs, and aligns with climate and circular economy goals—while addressing a critical gap in emissions technology for emerging fuel systems.