Effect of calcination temperature and percentage of Mn3O4 catalysts derived from used battery powder on Al2O3 for removal of VOC in a plasma system

Mn3O4 catalysts that derived from used alkaline battery powder were synthesized using hydrometallurgical method[1]. After using H2SO4 as leaching acid catalysts were calcined in four different temperatures; 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, 700°C. Tests showed 600°C was the best temperature for calcination of catalysts, and then different percentage of Mn3O4 was used as active phase on Al2O3. Plasma tests were conducted on Mn3O4(5, 10, 15%)/Al2O3 catalysts for degrading of Benzene, Toluene and Xylene[2]. Different voltages of plasma was tested for understanding the effect of voltage on VOC removal efficiency. Results showed that Mn3O4 (10%)/Al2O3 had better performance in abatement of xylene, also the conversion of benzene and toluene were 99% and 98% respectively. Using these catalysts for degrading the volatile organic compounds has a great potential according to their economical advantages and their great performance.