Performance of Titanium-Based Catalysts Loaded with Transition Metals (Cu, Mn and Fe) for Simultaneous Elimination of NO and Typical VOCs

Synchronized catalytic removal of nitrogen oxides (NO x , x = 1 and 2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) plays a vital role in environmental protection in China. In this study, the performance of a series of catalysts prepared by sol–gel method with Ce, Cu, Mn, and Fe loaded on TiO 2 for the simultaneous elimination of NO x and toluene (PhCH 3 ) were tested and the best bifunctional removal of both pollutants was achieved by the CuCe/Ti catalyst. The catalysts’ performance evaluation was tested within a temperature window of 200–450 °C by a converted denitration equipment. The simulated flue gases consisted of 50 ppm toluene, 500 ppm NO, 500 ppm NH 3 , 7.5% O 2 and equilibrium N 2 at a total flow rate of 1200 mL/min. The effects of loading Cu, Mn and Fe on the physicochemical properties of the catalysts were analyzed using SEM, XRD, XPS, NH 3 -TPD, H 2 -TPR and other characterization techniques and then confirmed the results of catalyst removal efficiency. The results showed that the CuCe/Ti catalyst had the best physicochemical performance with higher component dispersion and better redox ability. The removal rate of CuCe/Ti catalyst was 100% for NO and 95.5% for toluene at the reaction temperature of 250 ℃. Graphical Abstract