Photothermal catalytic oxidation of toluene over the Pt–Mn2O3/CN nanocomposite catalyst†

The Pt–Mn₂O₃/CN catalyst formed through synthesis via a solvent-thermal method involves a synergistic combination of polymer CN and Pt nanoparticles loaded on Mn₂O₃ to catalyze the degradation of toluene. The composition incorporates Mn₂O₃ as the central element for photothermal conversion, CN as a uniformly dispersed matrix for Pt nanoparticles, and Pt as the catalytically active center, demonstrating significant efficacy. Particularly noteworthy is the discernible enhancement in the photothermal catalytic degradation capability of the Pt–Mn₂O₃/CN composite catalyst, specifically in the context of toluene. When subjected to light intensity of 300 mW cm⁻² and a toluene concentration of 400 ppm, Pt–Mn₂O₃/CN achieves toluene conversion and CO₂ mineralization rates of 99% and 80.9%, respectively. This improvement primarily stems from the Pt nanoparticles inducing a substantial presence of oxygen vacancies within the catalyst structure, thereby increasing the oxygen adsorption capacity and surface mobility. This, in turn, activates adsorbed oxygen species at the catalyst's interface. The adept utilization and conversion of solar irradiance for volatile organic compound (VOC) abatement underscore its potential as an environmentally friendly and renewable energy source.