On the selection of the catalyst among the commercial platinum-based ones for total oxidation of some chlorinated hydrocarbons

Catalytic total oxidation of some selected chlorinated hydrocarbons is stud ied with several Pt-based catalysts. Chlorinated hydrocarbons used have bee n ethyl chloride, trichloroethylene and dichloromethane, alone or mixed wit h some hydrocarbons, such as toluene. Eighteen different catalysts have bee n tested from eight different manufacturers (Degussa AG, Sud-Chemie AG, Kat aleuna GmbH, Chimet, Johnson Matthey, Prototech Co.,...) and from three res earch institutions (Universities of Leiden (NL) and Wroclaw (PL) and Spanis h CSIC-ICP). Catalysts both in the form of spheres (particulates) and of mo noliths are used. Selection of the best catalyst(s) is made based on their activity, selectivity and life. Apparent energies of activation for these r eactions on these catalysts, using an empirical first-order reaction rate, are given. There are interesting or noticeable differences in activity and selectivity among the tested Pt-based catalysts. In overall they are not so active as the chromia and vanadia-based catalysts but they have an high li fe, reason why they can be recommended for this application. (C) 2000 Elsev ier Science B.V. All rights reserved.