Catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds on manganese and copper oxides supported on titania

A series of mixed oxides supported on TiO 2 (Mn 1−y Cu y O x /TiO 2 ) synthesized by incipient wetness impregnation method have been characterized and tested for toluene oxidation volatile organic compounds (model). For all catalysts, the total conversion (100%) of toluene into CO 2 was obtained at temperatures higher than 240°C with no catalyst deactivation. At lower temperatures, a gradual deactivation was observed. The most efficient catalyst was Mn 0.5 Cu 0.5 O x /TiO 2 (noted MnCuO x /T). Several characterization techniques, XRD, TPR, BET, and TG/DT analysis, were used to explain the catalytic performances. The results allowed attributing the higher activity of MnCuO x /T to the formation of Mn 1.6 Cu 1.4 O 4 spinel phase. It has been also demonstrated that the mobility of the catalyst network oxygen is a determining parameter of the catalytic activity. The decrease of activity at a low temperature is related to the adsorption of high molecular weight carbonaceous compounds. However, the catalytic activity is easily regenerated by heating in air flow at 300°C. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008