Synthesis and characterization of eggshell-based catalysts for the treatment of gaseous pollutants

Abstract

The intensification of production in the poultry industry causes the generation and accumulation of solid waste. Efforts are being made to reduce the pollutant load of these materials by using them as a productive input. In this sense, the development of catalysts is an alternative. In this work, powdered and monolithic cobalt and calcium catalysts were synthesized using waste eggshells by means of a simple, environmentally friendly, and low-cost method. The catalysts were tested in the toluene oxidation reaction. The best catalytic performance was obtained with a catalyst prepared with Co (16 wt%) on eggshell calcined at 450 ºC (CoC-450). The combination and interaction between Co and Ca species and the highest Co/Ca and Olatt/Oads surface ratios improved the adsorption and activation of toluene. For application under real conditions, a structured catalytic material M-CoC-450 was developed, which reached 100% conversion at 260 °C.