Deactivation of V2O5/TiO2 catalysts during the oxidation of meta-dichlorobenzene in the presence of methyl-naphthalene

Kinetic and in situ infrared spectroscopic studies were conducted during the investigation of the effect of methyl-naphthalene (mNpht) on the oxidation of meta-dichlorobenzene (m-DCB) over a 3.6 wt.% V2O5/TiO2 catalyst. A gradual decrease in the conversion of m-DCB was observed with time on stream in the presence of mNpht. This deactivation was more pronounced at lower temperatures and higher mNpht inlet concentrations. The results of in situ FTIR studies indicate the accumulation of carbonaceous species on the catalyst surface. The catalyst can regain its activity towards the oxidation of m-DCB upon removal of mNpht from the reaction gas mixture. The rate of regeneration depends on temperature and the amount of carbon accumulated on the catalyst surface.