Efficient Toluene Decontamination and Resource Utilization through Ni/AlO Catalytic Cracking.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particularly aromatic hydrocarbons, pose significant environmental risks due to their toxicity and role in the formation of secondary pollutants. This study explores the potential of catalytic pyrolysis as an innovative strategy for the effective remediation and conversion of aromatic hydrocarbon pollutants. The research investigates the high-efficiency removal and resource recovery of the VOC toluene using a Ni/AlO catalyst. The Ni/AlO catalyst was synthesized using the impregnation method and thoroughly characterized. Various analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and N adsorption-desorption isotherms, were employed to characterize the AlO support, NiO/AlO precursor, Ni/AlO catalyst, and the resulting solid carbon. Results indicate that Ni predominantly occupies the pores of -AlO, forming nano/microparticles and creating interstitial pores through aggregation. The catalyst demonstrated high activity in the thermochemical decomposition of toluene into solid carbon materials and CO-Free hydrogen, effectively addressing toluene pollution while recovering valuable resources. Optimal conditions were identified, revealing that a moderate temperature of 700 °C is most favorable for the catalytic process. Under optimized conditions, the Ni/AlO catalyst removed 1328 mg/g of toluene, generated 915 mg/g of carbon material, and produced 1234 mL/g of hydrogen. The prepared carbon material, characterized by its mesoporous structure and high specific surface area graphite nanofibers, holds potential application value in adsorption, catalysis, and energy storage. This study offers a promising approach for the purification and resource recovery of aromatic volatile organic compounds, contributing to the goals of a circular economy and green chemistry.