Synthesis optimization of CuBTC derived carbon-zeolite supported copper-based catalyst for toluene catalytic oxidation

MOF/zeolite-derived composite catalysts represent a promising platform for designing high-efficiency catalytic systems for the abatement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this study, carbon-zeolite-supported Cu-C/Y catalysts were synthesized from CuBTC and Y-zeolite composites by systematically screening parameters such as the metal-to-ligand molar ratio, hydrothermal conditions, and ion concentration. These parameters directly influenced the structural properties and toluene oxidation performance. Key findings revealed that the deprotonation degree of H 3 BTC ligands and their coordination with Cu 2+ ions critically governed CuBTC nucleation dynamics. Excessive deprotonation weakened the interfacial interactions with the Y-zeolite substrates. The optimal conditions ([Cu]:[H 3 BTC] = 1.9, [Cu] = 22.3 mmol, 80 °C hydrothermal reacted for 12 h) balanced nucleation and crystal growth, producing hierarchically porous structures with enhanced crystallinity and uniformly dispersed active sites. The resulting Cu-C/Y- ht 12 exhibited superior redox activity, with a T 90 of 262.5 °C for toluene catalytic oxidation. Response surface methodology (RSM) identified the ideal parameters [Cu]:[H 3 BTC] = 1.9, [Cu] = 20.1 mmol, 69 °C for 17.4 h, yielding Cu-C/Y R catalyst with a T 90 of 261.0 °C. These results provide theoretical and practical guidance for the optimization of MOF/zeolite-derived catalysts for VOCs treatment.