Efficient MnOx-Co3O4-CeO2 catalysts for formaldehyde elimination

Abstract A series of highly efficient MnO x -Co 3 O 4 -CeO 2 mixed oxides, synthesized by a sol-gel citric acid method, were applied to eliminate indoor formaldehyde (HCHO). The influence of the molar ratio of Mn/Co/Ce was investigated. The catalyst could efficiently eliminate HCHO into CO 2 and H 2 O when the molar ratio of Mn/Co/Ce was 16/19/1. Complete HCHO conversion was achieved at a temperature as low as 100 °C. The prepared samples were characterized by N 2 adsorption and desorption, XRD, H 2 -TPR and O 2 -TPD techniques to explain the improvement of catalytic activity. The results show that the introduction of MnO x into Co 3 O 4 -CeO 2 could improve the high dispersion of Co 3 O 4 and then increase the surface areas. Especially, the addition of MnO x enhanced reducibility and abundant surface active oxygen of MnO x -Co 3 O 4 -CeO 2 , which contributed to the excellent catalytic activity toward complete elimination of HCHO.