Novel metallic electrically heated monolithic catalysts towards VOC combustion

Abstract

The development of metallic monolithic catalysts with various morphologies to catalyze rapid combustion of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under high space velocity is a profound challenge in catalyst research. Herein, we reported the preparation of novel electrically heated monolithic Pt and Pd catalysts supported on an FeCrAl metal wire. The catalysts exhibited high catalytic activity for the VOC combustion to CO₂ and H₂O under low-current DC power. Notably, the catalysts exhibited nearly 100% toluene and ethyl acetate conversion rates under a DC power of 5 W and 8 W and a space velocity of 30 000 mL h⁻¹ g⁻¹ with a combustion response time of less than 30 s. The exceptional activity of the catalysts can be attributed to a well-adhered alumina coating that formed on the surface of the FeCrAl metallic substrate after thermal treatment and highly dispersed Pt and Pd nanoparticles on the surface of an alumina coating. Meanwhile, surface temperature can instantly reach the desired ignition point, because of high thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity.