Trace lanthanum-modified α-MnO2 catalyst for total oxidation of toluene by weakening the Mn–O bond

In this study, a series of La-α-MnO 2 catalysts with different La doping amounts were prepared by hydrothermal method. It was found that the introduction of La could reduce the crystallinity of α-MnO 2 and increase the specific surface area of the catalyst. Furthermore, La doping can significantly weaken the Mn–O bond, increase the surface Mn 3+ and O ads content, and enhance the oxygen mobility and low-temperature reducibility. The catalytic results indicated that La doping could significantly improve the catalytic oxidation performance of toluene, and 1%La-α-MnO 2 catalyst exhibited the best catalytic activity for toluene oxidation. The toluene conversion rate reaches 90% when the reaction temperature is only 215 °C. In addition, 1%La-α-MnO 2 catalyst presented good stability and repeatability during 50 h durability test under water vapor.