Abstract
High-surface-area mesoprous powders of gamma-Al2O3 doped with Cu2+, Cr3+, and V3+ ions were prepared via a modified sol gel method and were investigated as catalysts for the oxidation of chlorinated organic compounds. The composites retained high surface areas and pore volumes comparable with those of undoped gamma-Al2O3 and the presence of the transition metal ions enhanced their surface acidic properties. The catalytic activity of the prepared catalysts in the oxidation of 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) was studied in the temperature range of 250-400 degrees C. The catalytic activity and product selectivity were strongly dependent on the presence and the type of dopant ion. While Cu2+- and Cr3+ -containing catalysts showed 100% conversion at 300 degrees C and 350 degrees C, V3+-containing catalyst showed considerably lower conversion. Furthermore, while the major products of the reactions over gamma-alumina were vinyl chloride (C2H3Cl) and hydrogen chloride (HC1) at all temperatures, Cu- and Cr-doped catalysts showed significantly stronger capability for deep oxidation to CO2. (C) 2015 The Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences.