Modified clays as catalysts for the catalytic oxidation of ethanol

Two methods for modifying a clay mineral by pillaring and delamination were studied to obtain suitable catalyst supports for Co and Cu. The arrangement of the active species and the interaction that they may have with the support will be a fundamental feature for activity and selectivity in the oxidation reactions. Moreover, the use of natural materials such as clay minerals will add value to these materials and allow them to be excellent supports for environmental impact reactions. The combination of transition metals in equimolar ratios leads to cooperative effects between the species, resulting in the excellent catalytic performance in oxidation reactions of VOCs. Based on structural and morphological characterization using XRD, SEM, H₂-TPR, textural analysis and the evaluation of the catalytic activity in the oxidation of ethanol, the delaminated system proved to be a more appropriate support.