Mn–Zr composite oxides as efficient catalysts for catalytic oxidation of vinyl chloride

Abstract

A series of Mn–Zr composite oxides with variable Mn/Zr compositions were prepared using a sol–gel route for catalytic oxidation of vinyl chloride (VC). The resultant catalysts exhibited notable diversity in their physicochemical properties and reaction activity, revealing the significant interaction effect of Mn–Zr comparable to the manganese or zirconium oxide individually. The presence of Mn–Zr solid solution gave rise to better redox capacity, more plentiful surface acid sites and adsorbed oxygen species, and more abundant high-valence manganese cations (Mn⁴⁺ and Mn³⁺). These superiorities have been demonstrated to be the main origin for the activity enhancement in catalytic VC oxidation. Among all catalysts, Mn_0.5Zr_0.5 exhibited the optimal catalytic activity and good catalytic durability, which make it a prospective alternative for abating chlorinated VOCs.