Synthesis of carbon-zeolite bifunctional support Cu/C@Zeolite catalysts for enhanced VOCs catalytic oxidation

Abstract

In this study, the Cu/C@Zeolite catalysts with carbon-zeolite bifunctional support was developed by using the zeolite-induced one-pot homogeneous synthesis of CuBTC composite (CuBTC@Zeolite). Three different zeolites (ZSM-5, 13X, NaY) and the activation conditions were discussed. Originating from the defective structure of CuBTC in the composite and its interactivity with the zeolite, compared to Cu/C, the Cu/C@zeolite catalysts had the hierarchical pore system, a higher content of oxygen vacancies, stronger redox properties, and more active Cu sites with smaller particle sizes and more Cu⁺/Cu²⁺ coexisting valence states, in synergy with acid sites, all of these contributing to the improved catalytic activity for VOCs oxidation removal. The activity of toluene catalytic oxidation indicated by T₉₀ was in the order of Cu/C@NaY (268.5 °C) > Cu/C@ZSM-5 (280.0 °C) > Cu/C@13X (287.0 °C) > Cu/C (320.0 °C). They also performed a better activity for acetone and ethyl acetate oxidation, obtaining the lowest T₉₀ at 217.0 and 231.5 °C respectively when the Cu/C@NaY used. Moreover, the Cu/C@NaY and Cu/C@ZSM-5 performed good water resistance and stability, suggesting the potential in practical application scenarios. These findings underscored the potential of Cu/C@Zeolite catalysts for addressing complex VOCs in simultaneous catalytic oxidation.