Al2O3 supported Ru catalysts prepared by thermolysis of Ru3(CO)12 for catalytic wet air oxidation

► Two kinds of new Ru species were detected in the decomposition process of Ru3(CO)12 on γ-Al2O3. ► The Ru catalysts show high activities in the CWAO of different organic compounds. ► Pollutants can be efficiently removed at much milder conditions with Ru and Ru-Ce catalysts.