Catalytic combustion of propane over mixed oxides derived from CuxMg3-xAl hydrotalcites

Liquefied petroleum gas(LPG) is widely employed to power vehicles and industrial combustors, in which noble-metal catalysts are usually applied to catalytic combustion of propane, the major component of LPG. However, noble metals are expensive and prone to losing activity. We found the low-cost copper-based mixed oxide catalysts from modified clays are more active than the Pt-based catalyst and can be alternative materials for LPG combustors. Our findings unearthed the possibility using transition-metal to replace noble metal catalysts with better performance but lower investments. Our methodology and materials also inspire development materials for catalytic removal of volatile organic compounds