Modifying Y zeolite with chloropropyl for improving Cu load on Y zeolite as a super Cu/Y catalyst for toluene oxidation

Developing an efficient catalyst is desirable when for example moving from a noble metal-based catalyst to a transition metal-based one for VOC removal. In this work, the chloropropyl-modified NaY zeolite (NaY-CPT) was first synthesized in an extremely dense system through introducing 3-chloropropyl-trimethoxysilane (CPT) in the aluminosilicate sol. Then the Cu/Y-CPT catalyst was fabricated by impregnating Cu species on the NaY-CPT zeolite and the highly effective Cu/Y based catalyst has been achieved for catalytic toluene oxidation. The structure evolution of CPT modified sol and its effect on texture properties of NaY-CPT and thereby reduction ability of Cu/Y catalyst were systematically investigated by synchrotron radiation small angle X-ray scattering (SR-SAXS), EXAFS and other characterization. The CPT modified sol can promote the formation of more active aluminosilicate species, greatly accelerating crystal growth and improving framework Si/Al ratio of NaY zeolite. Due to the presence of the CPT group, the Cu/Y-CPT catalyst enhanced the interaction between Cu species and the zeolite matrix, resulting in small sized CuO nanoparticles (2.0–4.0 nm) anchoring to NaY-CPT. The Cu/Y-CPT catalyst renders more isolated Cu2+ species and adsorbed oxygen species, which are reactive in the oxidation reaction due to their high reducibility and mobility. Finally, the Cu/Y-CPT catalyst exhibits 90% toluene conversion at 296 °C (T90), lower than the value of 375 °C on the conventional Cu/Y-con catalyst. Meanwhile, the optimal Cu/Y-CPT catalyst also gives higher toluene conversion and stability in moisture conditions.