Catalytic combustion of toluene over Fe–Mn mixed oxides supported on cordierite

The catalytic combustion of toluene over Fe–Mn mixed oxides supported on cordierite was investigated. The catalysts were synthesized by the impregnation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and BET specific surface area measurement. The effects of the mole ratio of Fe to Mn, the loading of Fe–Mn mixed oxides on the catalyst support and the calcination temperature were all investigated. The results indicate that Fe–Mn/cordierite catalysts with a 4 mol ratio of Fe to Mn, used with 10 wt% loading, and calcined at 500 °C showed the highest catalytic activities as measured by the oxidation of toluene. Compared to unsupported powder catalysts of Fe–Mn mixed oxides, the Fe–Mn/cordierite catalyst showed higher activity for the catalytic combustion of toluene with less active component.