WET OXIDATION OF ACETIC-ACID CATALYZED BY DOPED CERIA

A series of ceria-containing mixed oxides has been prepared and utiliz ed as catalysts in the oxidation of acetic acid in water. The incorpor ation of even relatively small amounts of ZrO2 and MnOx or CuO into th e fluorite lattice of CeO2 strongly enhances the redox properties of t he material with a consequent promotion of the oxidation activity. The best results are obtained with the ternary mixed-oxides CeO2,-ZrO2,-C uO and CeO2-ZrO2-MnOx which benefit from a synergetic interaction betw een CeO2 (whose properties are already modified by the presence of Zr) and CuO or MnOx. Analysis of metal ion concentration in the effluents after reaction indicates also a high stability of the mixed-oxide cat alysts under the conditions employed.