Co-modified SBA-15 catalysts for waste gases purification processes - Effect of precursor

New data on the structural and catalytic properties of a series of mono-component cobalt and bi-component Co-Mn samples supported on SBA-15, prepared by different precursors are reported. The catalysts are characterized by SAXS, N 2 -physisorption, XRD, TEM, TPR, XPS, Uv-vis and FTIR methods and tested in combustion reactions of butane and n- hexane. It was established that the preparation of the Co-SBA-15 catalysts by different precursors does not significantly change the mesoporous structure. Co species are located in the mesopores, and their shrinkage occurs after the calcination to decompose of the cobalt precursor. Depending on the precursor used, different types of oxide phases are formed on the surface of the mesoporous support. Finely divided and weakly interacting with the support Co 3 O 4 and CoSiO 3 are formed on the surface of cobalt samples prepared from both precursors. In addition to the mentioned two phases finely dispersed CoO and a silica-like phase are formed on the surface of the one-component sample prepared from cobalt nitrate. The highest activity of the bi-component Co-Mn sample obtained by a mixed solution of an acetate precursor is explained by very low crystallinity of the supported metal oxide phases and their highest reducibility. • Synthesis of CoM/SBA-15 and CoMn/SBA-15 catalysts by different precursors for VOCs oxidation. • Formation of different types of oxide phases depending on the precursor used. • The most active catalyst is the bi-component Co+Mn/SBA-15. • The hexagonal mesopore ordering is preserved upon adding of the active phase and after the combustion reaction. • Co species are located in mesopores.