Catalytic purification of acrylonitrile-containing exhaust gases from petrochemical industry by metal-doped mesoporous zeolites

•A series of mesoporous catalysts was prepared and applied for SCC of acrylonitrile.•Cu/SBA-15 exhibited excellent C2H3CN conversion activity and N2 selectivity.•Two kinds of reaction mechanisms were proposed for Cu/, Fe/SBA-15 via DRIFTS.•Supports with larger mesopores facilitated the dispersion of Cu2+ cations.•SCC activity decreased along with the increasing hydrocarbon chains.