Cooperative effect of Fe and Ti species over Fe-Ti-Ox catalysts on the catalytic hydrolysis performance of hydrogen cyanide

FeOx, TiO2, and Fe-Ti-O-x catalysts were synthesized and used in the catalytic hydrolysis of hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Nearly 100% HCN conversion was achieved at 250 degrees C over the Fe-Ti-O-x catalyst. TiO2 rutile was detected over TiO2, but not over Fe-Ti-O-x, which suggested that the interaction between Fe and Ti species could inhibit the TiO2 phase transition. Furthermore, the interaction between Fe and Ti species over Fe-Ti-O-x could promote the selectivity of NH3 and CO. The mechanism of hydrolysis of HCN over FeOx, TiO2, and Fe-Ti-O-x can be given as follows: HCN + H2O -> methanamide -> ammonium formate -> formic acid -> H2O + CO.