Unveiling the Role of Atomically Dispersed Active Sites over Amorphous Iron Oxide Supported Pt Catalysts for Complete Catalytic Ozonation of Toluene at Low Temperature

Catalytic degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at normal temperatures is still a great challenge, especially for aromatic hydrocarbons. Here, we present an efficient strategy for the complete decomposition of toluene at normal temperature (50 degrees C), by means of constructing a highly dispersed Pt/FeOx catalyst to synergistically ozonate the aromatics. The amorphous FeOx support enabled high dispersion of Pt species and altered its electronic and coordination environment. As a result, a fast turnover frequency of 4.05 s(-1) was obtained over Pt/FeOx-180 with a high CO2 selectivity of 72.53%. Through comprehensive experimental study, we found atomically dispersed Pt-(OH)(x)(O)-Fe are the active sites for catalytic ozonation of toluene over the Pt/FeOx catalysts. Surface hydroxyl groups and highly dispersed Pt species are the two determining factors for the exceptional catalytic performance at a temperature as low as 50 degrees C, where acid sites effectively facilitate the adsorption of toluene. This work makes the destruction of aromatic VOCs possible at near-ambient conditions in an economical and energy-efficient manner.

Automated summary

The article presents an efficient strategy for the complete decomposition of toluene at normal temperature by constructing a highly dispersed Pt/FeOx catalyst to synergistically ozonate the aromatics. Through a comprehensive experimental study, it was found that atomically dispersed Pt-(OH)(x)(O)-Fe are the active sites for catalytic ozonation of toluene over the Pt/FeOx catalysts. This work enables the destruction of aromatic VOCs at near-ambient conditions in an economical and energy-efficient manner.