Catalytic pyrolysis of CHF3 over activated carbon and activated carbon supported potassium catalyst

The catalytic activity of activated carbon (AC) and activated carbon supported potassium for the decomposition of CHF3 was investigated at temperatures between 873 and 1173 K and at a space velocity of 4300 h−1. It is found that activated carbon supported potassium shows high and relatively stable activity during the pyrolysis of CHF3 under the conditions studied. Compared with the gas phase reaction, the conversion of CHF3 increases by up to 10 times between 873 and 1123 K, with the major products being C2F4 and C3F6. Selectivities as high as 55% to C2F4 and 35% to C3F6 are achieved under optimum conditions. The main byproduct HF readily reacts with K2O in the catalyst, converting the catalyst from K2O/AC into KF/AC. Selectivity to the major products remains relatively constant following this transformation.