Abstract
Catalysts for the oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were prepared by supporting 1% gold on cerium and zirconium oxides (CeO2, Ce0.5Zr0.5O2, ZrO2) using a simple impregnation method followed by reduction of gold in the presence or absence of ammonia (N). The catalysts were tested in model reactions, namely the total oxidation of benzene, hexane and chlorobenzene, using a micro flow reactor at atmospheric pressure in the temperature range 100–500°C and their activity was compared to that of Au/TiO2 and Au/Fe2O3 reference catalysts supplied by the World Gold Council (WGC). Benefits on the light-off temperatures were observed by adding gold to cerium-containing oxides: 100% conversion of hexane was obtained with Au/Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 at the lowest temperature (300°C). Full conversion of benzene was reached at only 250°C with Au/CeO2 (N), at 290°C with Au/Fe2O3 (WGC) and at 300°C with Au/Ce0.5Zr0.5O2. In the case of chlorobenzene oxidation, the addition of gold was of even greater relevance because of a drop in the light-off temperature of over 100°C for Au/Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 and Au/CeO2, with respect to the gold-free oxide supports; but in this case rapid deactivation took place.
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Michele Rossi obtained his master’s degree in Industrial Chemistry at the University of Milan and was full professor of Chemistry at the University of Bari, after which he joined the Faculty of Science — Inorganic Chemistry — at the University of Milan. After discovering the nitrogen fixation, a new field in organometallic chemistry, he has been a pioneer in the application of gold catalysis to the liquid phase oxidation of alcohols and sugars, as described in a number of papers and patents. At the Vancouver GOLD 2003 Conference he was presented with the prize for the most innovative research.
Cristina Della Pina received a master’s degree in Industrial Chemistry at Milan University and has just been awarded the Ph.D. degree in Industrial Chemistry, under Prof. Rossi’s supervision. Her work focuses on the development of novel gold catalysts for the selective oxidation of organic compounds which has resulted in a number of achievements reported in recent papers. She was hosted at Duisburg-Essen University by Prof. G. Schmid applying Atomic Force Microscopy to gold nanoparticles.
Nikolaos Dimitratos worked as a postdoc researcher in the Inorganic Chemistry department at the University of Milan for the Auricat project (Catalysis by Gold) funded by the EU. He graduated in Chemistry (1998) and received his PhD from Liverpool University in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. His research deals with liquid and gas phase oxidation. He is now collaborating with Prof. G. Hutchings at Cardiff University, UK.
Ermelinda Falletta got her master’s degree in Organic Chemistry (2004) at the University of Palermo. In 2005 she joined Prof. Rossi’s research group via a scholarship of the Centre of Excellence CIMAINA at the University of Milan. She is presently involved in research on gold catalysis as a graduate technician at the department of Inorganic Chemistry.
Attilio Siani earned his master’s degree in Industrial Chemistry at University of Milan in 2004. His research experience with heterogeneous catalysis started by Prof. Rossi’s research group in 2003, being engaged in an experimental thesis entitled ‘Gold Based Catalysts for Hydrocarbon Deep Oxidation’. Attilio joined Dr. Amiridis’ group in July 2004 as a PhD student. His present research focuses on the development, synthesis, and characterization of nano-structured noble metal catalysts.
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Pina, C.D., Dimitratos, N., Falletta, E. et al. Catalytic performance of gold catalysts in the total oxidation of VOCs. Gold Bull 40, 67–72 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03215295
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03215295