Simple, Low-cost Preparation of High Surface Area Co3O4–CeO2 Catalysts for Total Decomposition of Toluene

Abstract

Abstract High surface area Co3O4–CeO2 catalysts were prepared by the simple calcination of carbonate–precursor mixtures at 300 °C. The Co3O4–CeO2 catalyst with a Co/Ce molar ratio of 1 showed high activity for toluene decomposition, comparable to that of Pt(0.08 wt %)/zeolite catalyst. The total decomposition of toluene was achieved at degradation temperatures as low as 200 °C. The Co3O4–CeO2 catalyst was highly stable, even after two weeks of reaction.