Catalytic Decomposition of Dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12) Over Solid Super Acid MoO3/ZrO2

Abstract

Catalytic decomposition of dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12) in presence of water vapour and oxygen was studied over a series of solid super acids that have different ZrO₂ content using a fixed-bed reactor. CO₂ and CClF₃ were the main-products and no CO was detected as by-product. The decomposition activity depended on the calcination temperature and the ZrO2 content. Calcined at 450 ºC and 20-40 % ZrO₂ content were the best catalyst preparation conditions. Adopting low concentration of oxygen and CFC-12 and high concentration of water vapour is preferable to the achievement of high conversion of CFC-12 and selectivity for CO₂. The catalytic activity of MoO₃/ZrO₂ remained steady for 100 h on stream.