Diesel NO.sub.x reduction by plasma-regenerated absorbend beds

A process for the reduction of NO.sub.x and particulates from exhaust of a diesel or lean-burn gasoline engine, comprising:

• absorbing NO.sub.x onto a solid absorbent bed;
• simultaneously trapping particulate matter in the bed;
• regenerating the solid absorbent bed by pulsed plasma decomposition of absorbed NO.sub.x ;
• and
• burn-off of remaining trapped particulate matter by air oxidation.

An apparatus for reducing NO.sub.x and particulates in an engine exhaust, comprising:

• a plurality of solid absorbent/catalyst material beds, each bed having an inlet and an outlet;
• a valve assembly connected to said bed outlets and to an exhaust;
• said bed inlets being adapted to being connected to an engine exhaust system;
• a plurality of electrodes located in each of said beds;
• means for supplying electrical power to said electrodes for producing an electrical discharge therebetween;
• means for supplying air to said valve assembly,;
• and
• means for controlling said power supplying means;
• said air supplying means, and said valve assembly;
• whereby engine exhaust through said plurality of beds is controlled by said valve assembly, such that at least one of said plurality of beds is absorbing NO.sub.x and trapping particulate matter, while at least another of said plurality of beds is being regenerated.