Preparing Copper/Manganese Catalyst by Sol–Gel Process for Catalytic Incineration of VOCs

Molecular sieve was utilized as a carrier of active metals copper and manganese to determine the effectiveness of removing toluen using a catalyst incineration. Catalysts with various metal ratios and weight loadings were produced by sol-gel to treat toluene. This investigation selected the most effective catalyst, based on the conversion rate of toluene and CO2 yield. The influences of operating parameters of toluene oxidization on the conversion rate and long-term variations in catalytic activity were investigated, and the physical properties of catalysts were determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The conversion rate for toluene reached 50% and 95% (T50 and T95) when the Cu/Mn catalyst was used with a metal ratio of 1:1 and 20% loading at 263°C (T50) and 400°C (T95), respectively, an influent toluene concentration of 1000 ppm, oxygen concentration of 21%, a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 12000/hr, and relative humidity (R.H.) of 26%. The stability of the Cu/Mn catalyst structure was assessed. This catalyst is a high-oxidation catalyst, yielding nearly 95% CO2 at 400°C. Differences between fresh and aged catalysts were analyzed using analytical instruments, such as SEM. No obvious deactivation of the catalytic surface was detected.