EFFECT OF CATALYST SUPPORT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF α-MNO2 IN CATALYTIC OZONATION OF VOCS
Date
2023-11-16
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
This thesis aims to give a new insight into the selection of supports from two groups (inert and semiconductor) for α-MnO2 in VOC oxidation in catalytic ozonation of VOCs. The study focuses on two types of VOCs, toluene and acetone, representing nonpolar and polar compounds, respectively, at room temperature. Four supports were evaluated, including two semiconductors (TiO2, SiO2) and two inert materials (Al2O3, zeolite (ZSM-5- 20% SiO2 and 80% Al2O3)), chosen for their commercial availability, environmentally friendly nature, and widespread industrial use.
The study found that TiO2 as a support material exhibited the highest performance in the removal of both polar (acetone (around 95.5%)) and nonpolar (toluene (around 98%)) VOCs. This finding is particularly significant given that TiO2 has a lower surface area compared to zeolite and Al2O3. Furthermore, the study revealed that TiO2 as a support material led to the formation of lower oxidation states in MnO2, enhancing the catalytic activity of α-MnO2 for VOC removal. Additionally, TiO2 exhibited a higher oxygen vacancy, further enhancing the catalytic activity of α-MnO2. The effect of environmental factors (humidity and temperature) was also evaluated and proved that supports could enhance the stability and performance of catalysts in the presence of humidity. α-MnO2/TiO2 showed high stability and experienced minimum reduction in activity over time in the presence of humidity. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of TiO2 as a promising support material (semiconductor) for efficient removal of VOCs at room temperature, with particular advantage in removing nonpolar VOCs such as toluene.
Description
Keywords
Catalyst ozonation, Various support effect
Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Program
Chemical Engineering