Cordierite Foam Supports Washcoated with Zeolite-Based Catalysts for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Combustion

Reticulated cordierite foams produced by a direct foaming method were successfully washcoated with platinum-based zeolite catalysts. For comparison purposes, commercial cordierite monoliths were also washcoated. The effect of the structural properties on the fluid dynamics and catalytic behaviour for the toluene combustion were evaluated. Foam supports revealed highest performances, in terms of conversion into CO2, when compared to conventional honeycomb monoliths. The experimental results suggest that the catalytic behaviour is critically dependent on the fluid dynamics provided by structural characteristics of the supports, such as porosity, density and size of pores. The randomness and tortuosity of foams enhance reactant mixing, as it was evidenced by the higher axial and radial dispersions of the gas flow across the foam structure. This leads to better mass and heat transfers in the reaction system, thus improving the catalytic behaviour.