Recent advances in catalysts for toluene elimination via catalytic oxidation

Aromatic VOCs, like toluene, have recently attracted increasing attention for the treatment under the carbon peaking and neutrality policy. Catalytic oxidation, characterized by high efficiency and low production of secondary pollutants, has become the mainstream technology for toluene elimination. Thereinto, developing efficient and stable catalysts is essential. This work overviewed different types catalysts for oxidizing toluene, including multi-metal catalysts, high-entropy catalysts, core-shell catalysts, and post-treatment techniques for synthesized catalysts. Additionally, the catalytic reaction mechanisms and catalyst stability were elaborated. Based on the investigations, the ideas for designing novel catalysts in the future were tried to be proposed that the high-entropy catalysts and the integration of heterogeneous elements, morphology adjustment, and surface treatment should be appreciated. Meanwhile, operando or quasi-in situ technology combining with the simulation must be performed for deeply comprehending the oxidation reaction mechanisms. For the investigation of poisoning resistance, one more toxic substance should be considered, which needed to explore new anti-poisoning strategies and methods for essential resistance. All these aspects might promote developing catalyst and understanding catalysis in the field of catalytic oxidation for toluene.