Combustion of volatile organic compounds in two-component mixtures over monolithic perovskite catalysts

Activity of monolithic perovskite catalysts in oxidation of selected hydrocarbons and oxy-derivatives, oxidized individually and in two-component mixtures, as well as the reaction selectivity were investigated. One bulk perovskite (LaMn₂O₃) catalyst and two catalysts based on LaMn₂O₃ with addition of silver (25 at.%) coated on cordierite support were prepared for the study. The efficiency of oxy-derivatives oxidation was higher than that of hydrocarbon oxidation, but some by-products (first of all aldehydes) were detected in the flue gases. Addition of silver to the active phase improved catalyst activity and selectivity to CO₂ and water. The “mixture effect” on catalyst activity and selectivity depended on composition of the reaction mixture and the catalyst used. The presence of oxy-derivative in the reaction mixture inhibited oxidation of hydrocarbons. Toluene inhibited the process of oxy-derivatives conversion and increased the concentration of incomplete oxidation products.