Catalytic oxidation of VOCs over 3D@2D Pd/CoMn2O4 nanosheets supported on hollow Al2O3 microspheres

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science 2022-05, Vol.613, p.155-167
• Main Authors: He, Jiaqin, Zheng, Fangfang, Zhou, Yuanbo, Li, Xunxun, Wang, Yaru, Xiao, Jun, Li, Youyong, Chen, Dongyun, Lu, Jianmei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D@2D construction; Hollow and hierarchical structure; Spinel oxide; VOCs oxidation
• ISSN: 0021-9797; 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.01.023

A series of 3D@2D constructed Al2O3@CoMn2O4 microspheres with a hollow hierarchical structure supporting Pd nanoparticles was successfully synthesized by the the vertical in situ growth of 2D CMO spinel nanosheets on hollow Al2O3 support. The introduction of core–shell hollow hierarchical structure leads to excellent catalytic activity for three kinds of VOCs, high stability and water-resistance and low-cost, making it a multifunctional and promising catalyst for VOC combustion. [Display omitted] •A series of 3D@2D constructed Al2O3@CoMn2O4 microspheres with a hollow hierarchical structure was synthesized.•The introduction of hollow Al2O3 for the in situ vertical growth of 2D CMO spinel materials leads to more accessible active sites and strengthening the interaction between them.•Theoretical calculations also indicate that the addition of Al2O3 as the support material strengthens toluene and oxygen adsorption on CoMn2O4.•The excellent catalytic activity for three kinds of VOCs, high stability and water-resistance and low-cost making it promising cadidate in practical application.•A possible catalytic mechanism of the as-synthesized catalyst was proposed. Catalytic oxidation is a promising method for removing harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Therefore, exploring high-efficiency catalysts for catalyzing VOCs is of great significance to the realization of an environment-friendly and sustainable society. Here, a series of 3D@2D constructed Al2O3@CoMn2O4 microspheres with a hollow hierarchical structure supporting Pd nanoparticles was successfully synthesized. The introduction of hollow Al2O3 for the in situ vertical growth of 2D CMO spinel materials constructs a well-defined core − shell hollow hierarchical structure, leading to larger specific surface area, more accessible active sites and promoted catalytic activity of support material. Additionally, theoretical calculations also indicate that the addition of Al2O3 as the support material strengthens the adsorption of toluene and oxygen on CoMn2O4, which promotes their activation. The dispersion of Pd further strengthens the low-temperature reducibility along with more active surface oxygen species and lower apparent activation energy. The optimum 1 wt% Pd/h-Al@4CMO catalyst possesses the lowest apparent activation energy for toluene of 77.4 kJ mol−1, showing the relatively best catalytic activity for VOC oxidation, reaching 100% toluene, benzene, and ethyl acetate conversion at 165, 160, and 155