Complete oxidation of active carbon at low temperatures by composite catalysts

The reaction between oxygen and active carbon was studied at 500°C. Various composite catalysts having an iron-group metal as the main component were supported on active carbon. The synergistic effect of the oxidation activity was widely observed in the composite metal-metal oxide catalyst/carbon system. Several active carbons were studied in this catalyzed oxidation and the oxidation rate decreased with decreasing surface area of carbon materials. The rate-determining step of this reaction was considered to be the surface-diffusion rate of oxygen. Enhancement of oxygen transmission by active composite catalysts resulted in promotion of the reaction.