Catalytic oxidation of o-chlorophenol over Co2XAl (X = Co, Mg, Ca, Ni) hydrotalcite-derived mixed oxide catalysts

Abstract

A cobalt-based hydrotalcite-like compound was prepared using a constant-pH coprecipitation method. Cobalt-transition metal oxides (Co2XAlO, X = Co, Mg, Ca and Ni) were investigated for the deep catalytic oxidation of o-chlorophenol as a typical heteroatom contaminant containing chlorine atoms. The partial substitution of Co by Mg, Ca or Ni in the mixed oxide can promote the catalytic oxidation of o-chlorophenol. The Co2MgAlO catalyst presented the best catalytic activity, and could maintain 90% o-chlorophenol conversion at 167.1°C, compared only 27% conversion for the Co3AlO catalyst. The results demonstrated that the high activity could be attributed to its increased low-temperature reducibility, rich active oxygen species and excellent oxygen mobility. In the existence of acid and base sites, catalysts with strong basicity also showed preferred activity. The organic by-products generated during the o-chlorophenol catalytic oxidation over Co2MgAlO catalyst included carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and 2,6-dichloro-p-benzoquinon, et al. This work provides a facile method for the preparation of Co-based composite oxide catalysts, which represent promising candidates for typical chlorinated and oxygenated volatile organic compounds.