LOW-TEMPERATURE DEEP OXIDATION OF ALIPHATIC AND AROMATIC-HYDROCARBONS

A new series of low temperature oxidation catalysts have been developed that comprise first-row transition metal oxides dispersed on a new class of synthetic carbonaceous supports, the Ambersorb adsorbents. Data are reported here demonstrating high conversion using these catalysts for the deep oxidation of aliphatic and aromatic compounds to CO2 and H2O. The process temperatures required are only 175-250 degrees C, which is a substantial reduction over conventional oxidation systems. As such, these catalysts should offer cost advantages over the use of adsorption on activated carbon or thermal or catalytic oxidation for environmental control and remediation.