A novel preparation method has been adapted to a catalyst for oxidation of halogens in dilute air streams. This procedure produces a highly active oxidation/reduction catalyst from stainless steel screen, which is resistant to the attack by the reactor product, HCl, and exhibits good stability and selectivity. Mechanistic insights into the preparation variables, primary reaction kinetics, and potential deactivation limitations will be developed. New relationships should be elucidated between catalyst activity and surface morphology changes evident in electron microprobe and microscope patterns. Chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs) represent a serious health risk if present in groundwater or the air. Incineration can be used to convert them to HCl, which can then be neutralized in a scrubbing operation. Two difficulties are associated with this technology: the requirement of adding significant amounts of auxiliary fuel if the waste stream has a sufficiently low heating value, and the possibility of creating unsavory products of incomplete combustion. Catalytic oxidation provides an alternative route from CHC to HCl plus CO2, and is ideal for dilute hydrocarbon mixtures provided the catalyst activation temperature is maintained and poisoning can be avoided. Research will concentrate on these last two requirements. The temperature of the catalyst will be maintained by ohmic heating, and poisoning will be avoided by a judicious selection of the active catalytic agent.
