Co3O4/α-Fe2O3 catalyzed oxidative degradation of gaseous benzene: Preparation, characterization and its catalytic properties

Cobalt oxide/hematite (Co3O4/alpha-Fe2O3) composites were synthesized by using goethite as precursor via co-precipitation calcination method and employed in the catalytic degradation of benzene. The catalysts properties of the Co3O4/alpha-Fe2O3 composites were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N-2 adsorption measurement (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and H-2 temperature programmed reduction (H-2-TPR) techniques, respectively. The results showed that the Co3O4/alpha-Fe2O3 composite had excellent catalytic oxidative performance on catalytic degradation of gaseous benzene, and its catalytic activity were influenced markedly by the ratio of Co3O4 and the calcination temperature. When the composite catalyst with the Co/Fe molar ratio of 0.6, calcined temperature at 500 degrees C and benzene initial concentration was 1000 mg/m(3), the catalyzed oxidative temperature which benzene completely conversion and 91.7% CO2 selectivity was 400 degrees C. Large specific surface area, abundant surface oxygen species and strong redox properties which were ascribed to the interaction between Fe2O3 and Co3O4 play an important role in the catalyzed oxidative degradation of benzene.