CATALYTIC DECOMPOSITION OF DICHLORODIFLUOROMETHANE - A STUDY ON THE CATALYSTS DURABLE AGAINST FLUORINE

Catalytic decomposition of dichlorodifluoromethane was carried out on various catalysts. Metal oxide catalysts such as CeO2 and Nb2O5 exhibited high activity ; however, they were deactivated rapidly due to an attack by inorganic fluorines produced during the reaction. Although sulfuric acid impregnated on supports was also active, the vaporization of sulfur in the form of sulfur oxides lead to the deactivation of this catalyst. The BPO4 was active and retained its activity for prolonged reaction time. It was assumed that phosphate-based catalysts were the only possible system which can be applied to the decomposition of chlorofluorocarbons.