Catalytic Combustion of n-Hexane Over Alumina Supported Mn-Cu-Ce Catalysts

Supported MnCuCe and MnCe mixed oxides catalysts were prepared and evaluated in n-hexane combustion reaction. They presented an excellent catalytic activity in total combustion of n-hexane. Catalysts were characterized by means of XRD, XPS, SBET and TPR techniques. The addition of Cu did not enhance the catalytic activity of MnO (x) /Al2O3 due to the formation of the complete Mn2CuO4 spinel. The presence of cerium favored the formation of manganese oxide species with low crystallinity, with high oxygen mobility and high oxygen vacancies. A higher content of Ce was necessary to obtain catalysts with higher oxidation state of Mn and Ce species.