Preparation and characterization of copper oxide catalyst with activated carbon support for ozone decomposition in industrial environment

In this research, ozone decomposition has been synthesized based on copper oxide (CuO_x) with granular activated carbon (GAC) as a support catalyst, being used as ozone decomposer in effluent gas emissions of industries that use ozone. Therefore, catalysts were made as a mask filter to decompose ozone. CuO_x was impregnated to the surface of GAC by using copper carbonate (CuCO₃) as precursor and then calcined to release carbon dioxide with temperature of 300 °C for 1 hour. Size of activated carbon and loading percentage of copper oxide to the support were varied to get the optimum value. The quality of a catalyst such as pore diameter and surface area are characterized by BET, the cross-sectional surface of the catalyst and the catalyst elements composition are analyzed by X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), while CuO_x composition and crystal phase are analysed by XRD. Mask filter, which contained catalysts for ozone decomposition, was tested using a fixed bed reactor at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Results of the catalytic conversion were tested using iodometric method. Activated carbon with smallest diameter (60 - 100 mesh) and highest loading percentage (2 %-wt) showed the highest activity which the ozone conversion to oxygen reached 100%. Amount of CuO_x on the support also determine the efficiency of catalyst due to appropriate amount of CuO_x probably maintain the morphology and crystal phase of the catalyst.