Effect of the catalyst supports on the removal of perchloroethylene (PCE) over chromium oxide catalysts

The oxidation of perchloroethylene (PCE) was investigated over chromium oxide catalysts supported on TiO2, Al2O3, SiO2, SiO2-Al2O3 and activated carbon. The phase of chromium oxide on the catalyst surface is critical for the oxidation of PCE. The catalytic activity of PCE removal enhances as the formation of Cr(VI) species on the catalyst surface increases. The surface area and the type of the catalyst supports were also essential for high performance in the PCE oxidation. In addition, the structure of Cr(VI) on the catalyst surface also plays an important role for the decomposition of PCE. The polymerized Cr(VI) mainly formed by the interaction of metals with the support is the active reaction site for the present reaction system. CrOx/TiO2 reveals the strongest PCE removal activity among the catalysts examined in the present study.