CATALYTIC-OXIDATION OF NICOTINE OVER ZEOLITE-SUPPORTED PLATINUM

Platinum loaded NaY, HY and dealuminated HY were shown to be active in the total oxidation of nicotine at 573 K into CO2, H2O and N-2 at the exclusion of CO and NOx. The activity (turnover frequency (TOF)) of a surface metal atom was independent of the method of metal loading (io n-exchange or impregnation) but increased with the metal particle size . Compared to non-porous silica, zeolites exerted a beneficial effect on metal particles of similar sizes, presumably, because a shielding e ffect of the acidic zeolite matrix with respect to the nicotine base. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.