Toluene catalytic combustion over copper modified Mn0.5Ce0.5 Ox solid solution sponge-like structures

Abstract

Catalytic combustion is a well-established way to remove the pollution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and the highly active catalyst is the key issue of this process. Herein, a series of sponge-like ternary mixed oxide were prepared by a facile surfactant modified coprecipitation approach. The structure properties were characterized via BET, XRD, Raman, TEM, EDS, H2-TPR, and XPS techniques. It was found that the Cu content significantly influences the catalytic activity in toluene combustion. The CMC-2 (Cu:Mn:Ce=1:5:5) showed the best catalytic performance under the air atmosphere, and the complete conversion of toluene was achieved at 240°C. The characterization reveals that a proper amount of Cu facilitates the incorporation of highly reducible Mn4+ into ceria lattice to form sponge-like MnCeOx solid solution structures. Such promotion effect of copper can improve the redox behavior, produce large amounts of Oα at the interface of CuOx/MnCeOx, both of which benefit the toluene combustion at low temperature. The findings of this work highlight the importance of Cu in preparation of the active MnOx−CeO2 catalyst for VOCs combustion.