Preparation of CuMn-based SBA-15 catalysts and their performance in the catalytic combustion of toluene

A series of Cu/SBA-15 (weight fraction 5%-17% Cu), Mn/SBA-15 (5%-17% Mn), CuMn/SBA-15 (5%-17% CuMn) and Ce/CuMn/SBA-15 catalysts (2.5%-7%Ce, 12% CuMn) have been prepared. The activities of the materials in the catalytic combustion of toluene were evaluated in a continuous flow reactor at atmospheric pressure. The structures of the catalysts were investigated using XRD, TEM, and TPR. Cu/SBA-15 catalysts with above 12% Cu, Mn/SBA-15 catalysts with above 8% Mn, and CuMn/SBA-15 catalysts with above 8% CuMn all showed good activity in the catalytic combustion of toluene. The activities of the catalysts containing both Cu and Mn were superior to those of the catalysts containing only Cu or Mn. In the case of CuMn/SBA-15 catalysts, addition of 2.5%-3.5% Ce afforded an increase in the catalytic activity. The mesoporous structure of the SBA-15 precursor was retained in all of the catalysts with the active Cu, Mn, CuMn, and Ce components all confined in the SBA-15 mesopores. It was shown that Ce promoted dispersion of the CuMn species leading to an increased redox capability in the Ce/CuMn/SBA-15 catalysts.