Pd/Alumina Catalysts for Beneficial Transformation of Harmful Freon R-22

Chlorodifluoromethane (R-22), the most abundant freon in atmosphere, was subjected to successful hydrodechlorination presence of palladium supported on ?-alumina, at a relatively low reaction temperature (180 °C). The combination catalytic actions alumina (performing dismutation) and Pd nanoparticles (catalyzing C–Cl bond splitting hydrogen) results transformation into valuable, chlorine-free products: methane fluoroform, mixture which is used plasma etching silicon nitride. Very highly metal dispersed Pt/Al2O3 catalysts, with particles ~1.3 nm size, are not as effective Pd/Al2O3, resulting only partial dechlorination. A long-term dechlorination screening (3–4 days) showed good stability Pd/alumina catalysts.