Preparation, characterization and catalytic performance of Pt supported on porous carbonaceous materials in the oxidation of toluene as a volatile organic compound

Abstract

Platinum-carbonaceous catalysts were prepared by the wet impregnation method and tested for catalytic oxidation of toluene as a volatile organic compound. The textural properties of the constructed catalysts were considered by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope and N2 adsorption–desorption analysis. The catalytic assessments showed that the best activity (>99%) and high stability and selectivity to CO2 (>99%) are related to platinum-supported carbon nanotube. The curves of the conversion and selectivity demonstrate that the performance of catalysts to eliminate the volatile organic compound and turn it into CO2 conforms to the following descending order: platinum-supported carbon nanotube >platinum-supported graphene >platinum-supported activated carbon >platinum-supported carbon nanofibre. The kinetic of toluene oxidation has been evaluated as a function of toluene and oxygen partial pressures in different temperatures. Two kinetic models (Power Law and Mars–van Krevelen mechanisms) were applied to the reaction and compared with the experimental data. Mars–van Krevelen model is more appropriate than the Power Law model for this reaction as Mars–van Krevelen model showed better prediction of the behaviour of the reaction.