Catalytic oxidation of dimethyl disulfide (CH3SSCH3) over monometallic Au, Pt and Cu catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3, CeO2 and CeO2-Al2O3

Au, Cu, and Pt catalysts supported on Al2O3, CeO2, and CeO2-Al2O3 were investigated in the oxidation of CH3SSCH3. The H-2-TPR experiments indicated that the improved reducibility has a key role in CH3SSCH3 oxidation. In addition, oxygen activation showed correlation with the oxidation product formation. With Cu containing catalysts the oxidation reaction of CH3SSCH3 started at lower temperatures independent of the support. In addition, the presence of Cu as well as CeO2 resulted in significant production of formaldehyde instead of CO2. Pt catalysts showed a significant decline in SO2 formation at high temperature showing over-oxidation or potential to deactivation when supported on Al2O3 and CeO2-Al2O3. Stability test of Au/CeO2-Al2O3 for more than 40 h showed that the catalyst is durable but its selectivity should be enhanced further. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.