Application of Spinel-Type Cobalt Chromite as a Novel Catalyst for Combustion of Chlorinated Organic Pollutants

Various chromium-containing catalysts were tested for the total oxidation of trichloroethylene (TCE) as a model reaction for the catalytic combustion of chlorinated organic pollutants. A spinel-type cobalt chromite (CoCr2O4) among others was proven to be a very promising catalyst showing higher activity and higher CO2 selectivity than traditional alumina supported chromia. Even if both Cr3+ and Cr6+ species were observed on the surface of CoCr2O4, the Cr6+ species was stable under reducing environment. The presence of Cr3+-Cr6+ pair sites and the effect of redox treatments on the activity were investigated to explain the nature of possible active sites for TCE decomposition. Higher selectivity to CO2 of CoCr2O4 was ascribed to the abundance of its Cr3+ species, together with its activity for water gas shift reaction.