Elimination of Toluene Vapours using natural Zeolite treated by Copper Oxide

Background: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the most frequent air contaminants which are produced due to industrial processes such as production of chemicals, petrochemical industries and their related industries. These compounds are harmful (even in low concentrations) not only for the environment but also for the human health. One method to control these contaminants is using catalytic beds. In this study we used modified natural Zeolite (Clinoptilolite) to eliminate toluene vapours.

Methods: In this study, at first natural Zeolite were modified with cooper ions and calsined thermally. Then, the effect of variables such as toluene concentration, reactor temperature, and flow rate on toluene vapours elimination were surveyed by using a tubular stainless steel reactor and modified.

Results: It was found that cooper oxide, as a catalyst, led to the considerable decrease in combustion temperature of toluene vapours. Of course, increasing the space velocity (or flow rate) and toluene concentration led to decreasing Zeolite bed efficiency.

Conclusion: Regarding the presence of many natural storage of Clinoptilolite in Iran, it seems that its modification with cooper oxide could be a good catalyst for eliminating of VOCs in air.