NOVEL CATALYSTS FOR SELECTIVE DEHALOGENATION OF CCL2F2 (CFC-12)

Several supported and unsupported metal carbide catalysts were synthes ized, characterized, and studied for their activity in the dehalogenat ion of CCl2F2 (CFC 12). Their catalytic properties were compared to th ose of a standard palladium catalyst. The turnover rates of the suppor ted carbides were found to be higher than the unsupported carbides, bu t both deactivated quickly in the initial stages of reaction. X-ray ph otoelectron spectroscopic analysis of fresh and spent catalysts showed deposition of excessive amounts of carbon during the reaction which c ould be the cause of deactivation.