Removal of toluene using non-thermal plasma coupled with Mn-Ce/La/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts

The removal of low concentrations of toluene using non-thermal plasma (NTP) coupled with Mn-Ce/La/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts was investigated in this study. Mn/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst, Mn-Ce/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst and Mn-La/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst were prepared for the experiment. The removal efficiency of toluene, generation of O₃, CO_x selectivity for different reactors were studied. The catalysts were characterized by BET, SEM, H₂-TPR and ICP-OES. The results showed that the rare earth catalysts could effectively improve the removal efficiency of toluene and the degree of mineralization. Mn-La/γ-Al₂O₃ had the better catalytic performance than Mn-Ce/γ-Al₂O_3. The removal efficiency of toluene for the Mn-La/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst was 72.74% under the initial concentration of toluene of 600 mg·m^-3, discharge voltage of 22 kV and gas flow rate of 6 L·min^-1. Moreover, H₂-TPR results indicated that the low-temperature activity and capability of O₃ adsorption enhanced with the loading of rare earth catalysts. The catalysts were contributed to the decomposition of O₃ and the enhancement of selectivity of CO₂ and CO_x.