Catalytic oxidation of chlorinated hydrocarbons over powdered transition metal oxide

Author

Sanmei Xu, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

1994

Degree Name

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering - (M.S.)

Department

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Environmental Science

First Advisor

Henry Shaw

Second Advisor

Barbara B. Kebbekus

Third Advisor

Robert J. Farrauto

Abstract

This study addresses the ability of powdered transition metal oxides such as manganese oxide, iron oxide and copper oxide to catalytically oxidize low concentrations of chlorinated hydrocarbons with air. The catalytic oxidation of trichloroethylene and dichloromethane in a tubular reactor system was evaluated experimentally as a function of temperature and space velocity. Gas chromatography with electron capture detector and flame ionization detector was used for quantitative analysis of feed and product streams. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to identify all oxidation products. The results indicate that over 99% conversion of trichloroethylene is achieved at 915 K over fresh iron oxide, 96% conversion of trichloroethylene is achieved at 970 K over fresh copper oxide and 74% conversion of dichloromethane is achieved at 700 K over fresh manganese oxide. The major products from the oxidation of trichloroethylene over iron oxide are CO₂, Cl₂ and HCl, with trace amounts of CCl₄, C₂Cl₄ and CO.

Recommended Citation

Xu, Sanmei, "Catalytic oxidation of chlorinated hydrocarbons over powdered transition metal oxide" (1994). Theses. 1695.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/1695