Catalytic pyrolysis of CHF₃ over K₂-xO/AC catalyst

The catalytic activity of K₂-xO/AC for the decomposition of CHF₃ was investigated at temperatures between 600-900°C and at a space velocity of 4,300 h⁻¹. It is found that this catalyst shows high and relatively stable activity during the pyrolysis of CHF₃ under the conditions studied. Compared with the gas phase reaction, the conversion of CHF₃ increased by 2-10 times between 600-850°C, with the major products being C₂F₄ and C₃F₆ which are key monomers for the synthesis of Teflon and other polymers. As high as 55% selectivity to C₂FF₄ and 35 % of selectivity to C₃F₆ were achieved under optimum conditions. The main byproduct HF readily reacts with K₂O in the catalyst, changing the catalyst from K₂-xO/AC into KFIAC. Selectivity to the primary products remains relatively constant following this transformation