Evidence for clay minerals catalytic effects during low-temperature air oxidation of n-alkanes

The aim of this paper is to present preliminary results obtained during low temperature (100°C) artificial oxidation of n-alkanes in order to evaluate the impact of two different mineral phases: calcite and illite. Contrary to calcite, illite shows retention properties and enhances catalytic effects that are underlined by the production of oxygenated compounds inherited from original n-alkanes either directly or through their breakdown in shorter molecules. Such results point out the major influence of mineral matrix on organic matter during low temperature air oxidation.