Total catalytic oxidation of toluene using Pd impregnated on hierarchically porous Nb2O5 and Ta2O5 supports

A series of supported Pd catalysts were elaborated using hierarchically porous Nb2O5and Ta2O5materials, synthesised with and without a non-ionic surfactant. The deposition of Pd nanoparticles was achieved using the wet impregnation method on calcined supports. The catalytic systems were pre-reduced in hydrogen and investigated for their efficiency in the total oxidation of toluene and found to have increased activity in comparison to a series of reference catalysts based on hierarchically porous TiO2and ZrO2, with minimal benzene formation. Results have shown how activities are dependent on the support material, synthesis conditions and chemical composition.