Simple, Low-cost Preparation of High Surface Area Co₃O₄–CeO₂ Catalysts for Total Decomposition of Toluene

Abstract

High surface area Co₃O₄–CeO₂ catalysts were prepared by the simple calcination of carbonate–precursor mixtures at 300 °C. The Co₃O₄–CeO₂ catalyst with a Co/Ce molar ratio of 1 showed high activity for toluene decomposition, comparable to that of Pt(0.08 wt %)/zeolite catalyst. The total decomposition of toluene was achieved at degradation temperatures as low as 200 °C. The Co₃O₄–CeO₂ catalyst was highly stable, even after two weeks of reaction.