Catalytic activity of mesoporous alumina for the hydrolysis and dechlorination of carbon tetrachloride

Sol–gel-prepared mesoporous alumina (SG-Al2O3) was found to act as a potential catalyst for the complete dechlorination of carbon tetrachloride at temperatures ⩾350 °C in the presence of water. The main products were CO2 and HCl at 400 °C and the deactivation of the catalyst by chlorination was inhibited. In the absence of water, however, lower reactivity was observed and the undesired AlCl3, COCl2, and Cl2 by-products formed. The % conversion and the products profile were temperature dependent where higher % conversion and less COCl2, AlCl3 and Cl2 were observed at higher temperatures.