Combustion of volatile organic compounds over Cu–Mn based mixed oxide type catalysts supported on mesoporous Al2O3, TiO2 and ZrO2

A series of supported Cu–Mn based catalysts have been synthesized using three different supports mesoporous Al2O3, mesoporous TiO2 and mesoporous ZrO2. Cu–Mn precursors were incorporated on mesoporous supports using wet impregnation method. These catalyst supports were prepared by templating method using a natural biopolymer namely, chitosan. The catalytic activity for benzene and acetaldehyde combustion was studied for these catalysts. The synthesized catalysts have been characterized by XRD, BET-SA, O2-TPD and H2-TPR in a view of material characterization, as well as to investigate the mechanistic aspects of catalytic reactions. The bimetallic supported catalysts follow the activity sequence—Cu–Mn/TiO2 > Cu–Mn/ZrO2 > Cu–Mn/Al2O3 for both the reactions studied. These results interestingly show, that the catalytic activity is dependent on the support used, however, quite independent of the surface area of these supports. The better activity of TiO2 and ZrO2 based catalysts is likely due to their redox properties. The existence of low temperature peaks in both O2-TPD and H2-TPR explain better redox properties as well as catalytic performance of TiO2 and ZrO2 supported catalysts as compared to those Al2O3 supported mixed oxides.

Graphical abstractMesoporous catalyst supports were synthesized by using low-cost naturally occurring biogenic template. Investigated non-noble metal based catalysts show excellent activity for the combustion of benzene and acetaldehyde. The observed activity is greater than that of reported noble metals catalysts. O2-TPD and H2-TPR contributes to understand the different catalytic performances of synthesized catalysts.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (156 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Mesoporous Al2O3, ZrO2 and TiO2 were synthesized by using low-cost template. ► Catalytic activity is dependent on the support used and independent of surface area. ► Better activity of ZrO2 and TiO2 based catalysts is due to their redox properties. ► Investigated non-noble metal based catalysts show excellent catalytic activity. ► O2-TPD and H2-TPR contributes to understand the different catalytic performances.