Mineralization of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over the catalyst CuO–Co3O4–CeO2 and its applications in industrial odor control Original Research Article

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present at ppm levels were decomposed over the catalyst CuO–Co3O4–CeO2 (Cu:Co:Ce = 10:45:45 in mol) in an attempt to scale up for industrial odor control. In addition to enhancing the catalytic activity, CuO–Co3O4 and CeO2 helped, respectively, to maintain the strength of the pelleted catalysts and inhibit their sintering. Using toluene as a VOC model compound, kinetic analysis of the total oxidation to carbon dioxide was conducted. The odor emitted from paint-drying processes could be eliminated effectively using CuO–Co3O4–CeO2 (Cu:Co:Ce = 10:45:45) pelleted catalysts (188 ml) in a large-scale system.