In-situ synthesis of monolithic Cu-Mn-Ce/cordierite catalysts towards VOCs combustion

A monolithic series of Cu-Mn-Ce oxides supported on cordierites with different Cu/Mn/Ce molar ratios were prepared by the in-situ sol-gel method without any binder. The catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method (BET) and examined in the catalytic combustion of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The results showed that the well-dispersed nanometer particles of mixed oxides adhered firmly to the cordierite surface. Cu0.15Mn0.3Ce55/cordierite was identified as the most active catalyst. Compared with commercial Pd/Al2O3, Cu0.15Mn0.3Ce55/cordierite showed higher activities for the combustion of various types of VOCs, especially for oxy-derivative compounds which could be lighted off below 200 °C.