VOC decomposition over a wide range of temperatures using thermally stable Cr^{6 +} sites in a porous silica matrix

Cr species were inserted into porous silica matrices having a pore size of 0.7, 1.2, 2.4 (2.5) or 3.0 nm by an impregnation method using a high-concentration precursor. Cr^{6 +} sites were found to be predominantly generated in a silica matrix with 1.2 nm diameter pores. The Cr^{6 +} sites were applied as a recyclable oxidizer and catalyst for the decomposition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over a wide range of reaction temperatures starting from ambient, due to their strong oxidizing ability. The Cr^{6 +} sites could be repeatedly regenerated by heating above 350 °C.