Cu Mixed Oxides Based on Hydrotalcite-Like Compounds for the Oxidation of Trichloroethylene

Different Cu/(Mg or Ni)/Al mixed oxides based on hydrotalcite-like compounds have been studied for the catalytic oxidation of trichloroethylene. The catalysts have been synthesized and characterized by different techniques such as N-2-adsorption, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), X-ray diffraction, and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). It has been shown that the activity for the catalytic abatement of trichloroethylene depends on the presence of metals with redox properties in the catalyst composition. The best results have been obtained with containing copper mixed oxides, although there is no direct correspondence between the copper content and the catalyst activity. These catalysts are highly active and selective, CO2 and HCl being the main reaction products. A mechanism for the reaction has been proposed.