Catalytic destruction of volatile organic compound emissions by platinum based catalyst

Pt/gamma-Al2O3 (spheres) catalysts were prepared by depositing a resilient coating of Pt metal on the external surface of the support. Using a bench-s cale rig, the developed Pt/Al2O3 catalysts were investigated for their dest ruction efficiencies with a variety of VOCs in air-streams (VOC concentrati ons between 600-700 ppm) at space velocities ranging from 13,000 to 20,000 h(-1) (flow rates between 865-1335 ml/min) at atmospheric pressure. Catalyt ic activity was enhanced with an increase of Pt loading on Al2O3 support up to 0.3 % Pt. The 0.3 % Pt/Al2O3 showed above 99 % conversion efficiency an d stability with non-halogenated VOCs at inlet reaction temperatures rangin g between 196-355 degrees C, but it was deactivated by destruction of chlor inated VOCs. Ageing the 0.3 % Pt used catalyst at 550 degrees C for a longe r period did not affect its activity. Pretreatment of the 0.3 % Pt develope d catalyst with hydrogen also did not improve activity in the destruction o f toluene in air, compared to the fresh prepared catalyst. (C) 1999 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.