A novel CoOx/La-modified-CeO2 formulation for powdered and washcoated onto cordierite honeycomb catalysts with application in VOCs oxidation

•A novel CoOx/La-modified CeO2 catalyst was prepared and washcoated onto cordierite.•Washcoating preserved composition and structure while improving textural properties.•Coated honeycomb monoliths exhibited homogeneous highly dispersed active phase.•The catalyst was active and stable in toluene and ethyl acetate total oxidation.

A novel Co (15 wt.%)/La-modified-CeO2 catalyst was prepared for the oxidation of toluene and ethyl acetate, showing lower light-off temperature (around 20–40 °C) than that of a Pt (3 wt.%)/La-CeO2 catalyst under the same experimental conditions. Upon washcoating onto cordierite it was still more active than the noble metal reference. The activity remained stable even after 80 h of reaction. Adherence tests indicated a 98% stability of the washcoat, while SEM–EDS study evidenced its homogeneous distribution on the cordierite. ICP analysis and X-ray diffraction demonstrated that the composition and cobalt phase (Co3O4) of the powdered catalyst were the same in the washcoat. Moreover textural properties improved according to N2 physisorption studies due to inclusion of colloidal alumina in the slurry.

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