Synthesis, characterisation and catalytic performance of nanocrystalline Co3O4 for gas-phase chlorinated VOC abatement

Several nanocrystalline Co3O4 catalysts were investigated for their activity and selectivity during the oxidation of 1,2-dichloroethane, which was selected as a model chlorinated volatile organic compound. A wide number of synthesis routes starting from cobalt(II) nitrate were examined, namely calcination of the precursor salt, solid-state reaction, precipitation and sol–gel. The catalysts prepared by precipitation decomposed the chlorinated feed at the lowest temperatures. Activity was observed to be chiefly governed by a small crystallite size which may give rise to more easily accessible active sites (oxygen –O− or O2−– species), which were not present on the more highly crystalline Co3O4 catalysts. Additionally, surface Lewis acidity played a relevant catalytic role. Interestingly, the behaviour of some of the nanocrystalline oxides was superior to that of supported noble metal catalysts and other bulk oxide catalysts. Conversion to deep oxidation products was complete (CO2, HCl and Cl2), and no appreciable deactivation with time on stream was noticed.