Effect of the acid site in the catalytic degradation of volatile organic compounds: A review

• Construction strategies for acidic sites of catalyst are classified and summarized. • The functions of different types of acidic sites in the catalyst are summarized. • The effects of acidic sites in the catalytic degradation of VOCs are outlined. • The future research directions of the acidic site in the VOCs degradation are prospected. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions seriously endanger human health and the environment, making it the focus of global air pollution control. Catalytic degradation technology possesses the advantage of low energy consumption, a high purification rate, and no secondary pollution. However, catalysts that fully meet industrial requirements have not been developed. Acidity, as a property of catalysts, has played a decisive role in the catalytic oxidation of VOCs, together with the redox property of catalysts. However, a comprehensive and systematic review of the effect of acidity on the catalytic degradation of VOCs is still lacking. In this paper, the construction strategy of acid sites and their roles in the catalytic oxidation of different VOCs are described in detail. In addition, the effect of acidic sites on VOCs adsorption, bond breaking, harmful substances desorption, and promotion of oxidation was summarized. This review provided a reference value for future catalyst design, mechanism analysis, and practical operation.