Solvothermal preparation of Mn-based catalysts for simultaneous removal of 1,2-dichlorobenzene and furan

In this study, Mn-based bimetallic oxide catalysts were synthesized via the solvothermal method. Different metals (Ce, Co and Fe) exhibited a great impact on the physicochemical properties of catalysts, resulting in different catalytic activities for the simultaneous removal of 1,2-dichlorobenzene (1,2-DCB) and furan, as a model of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzo-furans (PCDD/Fs). Fe–MnOx presented the best catalytic activity, with a removal efficiency of 62% for 1,2-DCB and 100% for furan at 240 °C. Several analytical techniques were employed, namely, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), H₂ temperature-programmed reduction (H₂-TPR), and ammonia temperature programmed desorption (NH₃-TPD). Compared with pure MnOx catalysts, Fe–MnOx shows a higher specific surface area of 117.9 m²/g. SEM observations showed flower-like nanosheet structures for Fe–MnOx. XPS analysis indicated that Mn⁴⁺/Mn³⁺ and active oxygen play the key roles in the catalytic oxidation of 1,2-DCB and furan. The catalytic activity, selectivity and stability of Mn-based bimetallic oxide catalysts for the oxidation of 1,2-DCB and furan were tested. Competition exists between 1,2-DCB and furan such that the adsorption of furan occurs prior to 1,2-DCB.