Copper-Based Silica Nanotubes as Novel Catalysts for the Total Oxidation of Toluene

Cu (10 wt%) materials on silica nanotubes were prepared via two different synthetic approaches, co-synthesis and wetness impregnation on preformed SiO2 nanotubes, both as dried or calcined materials, with Cu(NO3)2.5H2O as a material precursor. The obtained silica and the Cu samples, after calcination at 550 °C for 5 h, were characterized by several techniques, such as TEM, N2 physisorption, XRD, Raman, H2-TPR and XPS, and tested for toluene oxidation in the 20 °C-450°C temperature range. A reference sample, Cu(10 wt%) over commercial silica, was also prepared. The copper-based silica nanotubes exhibited the best performances with respect to toluene oxidation. The Cu-based catalyst using dried silica nanotubes has the lowest T50 (306 °C), the temperature required for 50% toluene conversion, compared with a T50 of 345 °C obtained for the reference catalyst. The excellent catalytic properties of this catalyst were ascribed to the presence of easy copper (II) species finely dispersed (crystallite size of 13 nm) on the surface of silica nanotubes. The present data underlined the impact of the synthetic method on the catalyst properties and oxidation activity.