A rational construction of Pt@Cu-ZSM-5@CuO catalyst with detached multi-functional Pt and Cu sites for high-performance acetonitrile decomposition

Pt@Cu-ZSM-5@CuOx catalyst was constructed for the catalytic oxidation of acetonitrile (AN), which achieved a complete mineralization rate and more than 95 % N2 selectivity within 300–450 °C. Characterization results revealed that the satisfactory synergistic action of hydrolysis and oxidation pathways was well achieved. The NOx release from CN oxidation reaction on out-layer CuOx species and NHx species over-oxidation over Pt sites could be eliminated by NH3 from CN hydrolysis reaction on Cu ions via internal selective catalytic reduction mechanism. The deep oxidation of carbon-containing intermediates (such as CO etc.) during CN decomposition over Cu species effectively occurred over Pt site. The encapsulation of Pt inner ZSM-5 zeolite not only strengthened low-temperature mineralization rate compared to Cu/ZSM-5 sample, but also inhibited NOx release caused by over-oxidation of AN at an elevated temperature with co-impregnation of Pt species over Cu/ZSM-5. This work provided a viable strategy for designing catalysts to effective abatement of NVOCs.