LOW-TEMPERATURE CATALYSTS FOR TOTAL OXIDATION OF N-HEXANE

Considering the importance of the catalytic combustion process for removal of organic pollutants from effluent streams, total oxidation of n-hexane, present in lean mixtures, was carried out on cobalt oxide catalysts supported on silica gel. Catalysts prepared by decomposition of cobalt oxalate effectively catalyzed the reaction. Such catalysts proved superior to those prepared by cobalt nitrate dispersion. The activity and deactivation patterns of several catalysts differing in their method of preparation are discussed. Results of detailed studies using nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are discussed. It is reported that the crystallite size and surface concentration are influenced by the method of preparation.