Silica-titania supported vanadia catalysts in the utilization of industrial sulfur-contaminated gaseous methanol streams

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are considered as one class of the major contributors to air pollution. Strict limits have been set for these emissions due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment. In addition to legislation, technology and material development during the past decades has pushed forward the development of VOC emission abatement technologies. Advancements in material research and widening the adaptation of the circular economy concept have led to the idea of utilizing harmful VOC compounds as novel raw materials to produce chemicals.

In this work, the possibility of producing formaldehyde from sulfur-contaminated methanol originating from the pulp and paper industry was investigated. Silica-titania supported vanadia (VOx/SiO2+TiO2) catalysts in different compositions were selected as the focus of the study. The aim was to investigate the material activity. In addition, several characterization methods were used to reveal the chemical and physical properties of the materials used.

The results prove the high activity of the studied vanadia catalyst supported on silica-titania in the simultaneous conversion of methanol and methyl mercaptan to formaldehyde. The activity of the catalyst is influenced by its composition. Depending on the support material, and the temperature and gas conditions during preparation, changes in the quality of the vanadia species on the support surface can be observed. The research advances the utilization of industrial gaseous VOC streams and opens new pathways toward new innovations.