Recent Progress in the Removal of Volatile Organic Compounds by Mesoporous Silica Materials and Supported Catalysts

Abstract

Mesoporous silica materials have attracted much attention because of their large surface area,uniform pore-size distribution, large pore size, and wide potential applications in the fields of separation,adsorption, and catalysis. The progress in the removal of volatile organic compounds(VOCs, mainly containing hydrocarbons, methanol, formaldehyde, acetone, benzene, toluene, naphthalene, and ethyl acetate) by mesoporous silica materials and supported catalysts in recent years is reviewed. The effect of the structure of mesoporous silica materials on the adsorption of VOCs is discussed. We also discuss the catalytic performance and reaction mechanism for catalytic VOC oxidation over supported catalysts. The recent developments in catalytic combustion of toluene are examined in detail. We found that the surface environment, pore structure, and morphology of mesoporous silica materials are the main factors influencing adsorption of VOC molecules. The application of noble metal catalyst focuses on improving poison resistance and reducing cost. The research on non-noble metal catalysts focuses on developing supported mixed-metal oxide catalysts with high activity. Future developments of mesoporous silica materials and supported catalysts are highlighted. The design of the catalyst can be carried out from two aspects: the silica support and the mesoporous channel. This review will be helpful in choosing an appropriate catalyst for the removal of VOCs with high activity and stability.