Sphere-Shaped Mn3O4 Catalyst with Remarkable Low-Temperature Activity for Methyl–Ethyl–Ketone Combustion

Mn3O4, FeMnOx, and FeOx catalysts synthesized via a solvothermal method were employed for catalytic oxidation of methyl-ethyl-ketone (MEK) at low temperature. Mn3O4 with sphere-like morphology exhibited the highest activity for MEK oxidation, over which MEK was completely oxidized to CO2 at 200 °C, and this result can be comparable to typical noble metal loaded catalysts. The activation energy of MEK over Mn3O4 (30.8 kJ/mol) was much lower than that of FeMnOx (41.5 kJ/mol) and FeOx (47.8 kJ/mol). The dominant planes, surface manganese species ratio, surface-absorbed oxygen, and redox capability played important roles in the catalytic activities of catalysts, while no significant correlation was found between specific surface area and MEK removal efficiency. Mn3O4 showed the highest activity, accounting for abundant oxygen vacancies, low content of surface Mn4+ and strong reducibility. The oxidation of MEK to CO2 via an intermediate of diacetyl is a reaction pathway on Mn3O4 catalyst. Due to high efficiency and low cost, sphere-shaped Mn3O4 is a promising catalyst for VOCs abatement.