Efficient catalytic oxidation of chlorobenzene over Fe2(SO4)3/TiO2 catalysts with Brønsted acid sites

  • Yanfei Jian
  • , Mengqiao Geng
  • , Yonghua Zhao
  • , Jinmin Xie
  • , Mudi Ma
  • , Yanke Yu
  • , Chi He

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The abatement of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) remains a challenge due to their high toxicity and stability. Fe2(SO4)3/TiO2 catalysts with abundant Brønsted acid sites were used in oxidation of chlorobenzene (CB). Fe2(SO4)3/TiO2 catalysts are efficient in CB oxidation, with T90 of 323.6°C, which was 63.6 °C lower than that of Fe2O3/TiO2 catalyst. Physical and chemical properties were characterized by SEM, STEM-EDX, XRD, N2 adsorption–desorption, Raman, FT-IR, NH3-TPD and H2-TPR. Moreover, DFT calculation was used to investigate the adsorption of CB on the catalyst. Experimental results and DFT calculation indicated that Brønsted acid sites of Fe2(SO4)3/TiO2 catalysts promoted the adsorption and dechlorination of CB, as well as the adsorbed oxygen favored the generation and oxidation of intermediate products. Reaction mechanism of CB oxidation was investigated by in situ DRIFTS. CB adsorbed on the catalyst surface underwent nucleophilic substitution to form phenol and HCl with the assistance of Brønsted acid sites, then phenol was further oxidized to benzoquinone, followed by benzoquinone ring-opening to produce maleate, which was oxidized to formic acid. CO2 and H2O were generated finally. This work should promote the development of catalysts used in VOCs oxidation.

Original languageEnglish
Article number165404
JournalApplied Surface Science
Volume720
DOIs
StatePublished - 28 Feb 2026

Keywords

  • Brønsted acid sites
  • Catalytic oxidation
  • Chlorobenzene
  • Metal sulfate

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