The catalytic oxidation of organic air pollutants part 1. Single metal oxide catalysts

Abstract

Abstract Single metal oxides, particularly Co 3 O 4 , MnO 2 and CuO 1 were evaluated as the basis of catalysts for the destructive oxidation of organic air pollutants, e.g. in malodorous process emissions, with special reference to their resistance to deactivation by sulphur compounds compared with Pt‐honeycomb catalysts. Tests with low odorant concentrations, 100 volumes per million (vpm) in air, demonstrated highly efficient conversion of n ‐butanal or methyl mercaptan to acceptable products over the best oxides. Ability to destroy butanal in mixtures with mercaptan at the end of life‐tests, during which the mercaptan was completely removed, decreased in the order: CuO ⋍ Pt > MnO 2 > V 2 O 5 > CO 3 O 4 . Values of the odour detection threshold measured at the catalyst exit by dynamic‐dilution olfactometry were interpreted in terms of unreacted butanal and selectivity in conversion of the odorants to CO + CO 2 .