Abstract: A process for reducing perfluorinated compounds and/or hydrofluorocarbon compounds in a sample uses a catalyst made from aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and one or more enhancers selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, and sulfate. Another useful catalyst comprises zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and/or aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and nickel as an enhancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition and a catalytic process for the destruction of PFC's and HFC's using a catalyst which comprises aluminum oxide that has preferably been stabilized through the addition of a stabilizing agent (such as titanium, zirconium, or cobalt, or mixtures of these elements). The addition of these elements to the aluminum oxide unexpectedly enhances the catalyst's stability without significantly altering the reactivity of the catalyst. The total amount of stabilizing agent added to the catalyst can be as low as 0.005 parts (by weight) stabilizing agent per part (by weight) aluminum oxide (Al2O3) or as great as 2 or more parts (by weight) stabilizing agent per part (by weight) aluminum oxide; so long as there is sufficient aluminum oxide available to effectively catalyze the destruction of the target PFC's and/or HFC±.

Abstract: A process and composition for transforming perfluoroalkanes in the presence of an oxidizing agent and water at temperatures between about 400 to 1,000° C. Aluminum oxide is the primary agent for effecting this transformation. Additions of between 0.1 to 50% by weight of other components such as barium calcium, phosphorus, cerium, chromium, cobalt, iron, lanthanum, magnesium, nickel, silicon, titanium, yttrium or zirconium aid in extending the useful life of the catalyst. A preferred catalyst composition includes aluminum oxide with additions of cobalt and one or more of the elements of cerium, titanium or zirconium.

Abstract: A process and composition for transforming perfluoroalkanes in the presence of an oxidizing agent and water at temperatures between about 400 to 1,000.degree. C. Aluminum oxide is the primary agent for effecting this transformation. Additions of between 0.1 to 50% by weight of other components such as barium calcium, phosphorus, cerium, chromium, cobalt, iron, lanthanum, magnesium, nickel, silicon, titanium, yttrium or zirconium aid in extending the useful life of the catalyst. A preferred catalyst composition includes aluminum oxide with additions of cobalt and one or more of the elements of cerium, titanium or zirconium.

Abstract: A method of treating a gaseous stream containing one or more volatile nitrogen containing organic compounds which comprises contacting the gaseous stream and an oxidizing agent with a catalyst at relatively low temperatures to cause oxidation of the volatile nitrogen-containing organic compounds. The catalyst employed promotes the oxidation reaction to selectively produce N.sub.2 O, N.sub.2, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O without generating significant amounts of NO.sub.x to permit the reaction products to be vented directly into the atmosphere. The catalyst includes a selected amount of a noble or base metal deposited on a catalyst support comprising titania and zirconia. One or more of the elements molybdenum, tungsten or vanadium are added as promoters to the composition which minimizes the generation of NO.sub.x among the reaction products. Lanthanum may be added to provide better thermal stability and increase the selectivity for producing N.sub.2 among the reaction products.

Abstract: A method of treating a gaseous stream containing one or more volatile nitrogen-containing organic compounds which comprises contacting the gaseous stream and an oxidizing agent with a catalyst at relatively low temperatures to cause oxidation of the volatile nitrogen-containing organic compounds. The catalyst employed promotes the oxidation reaction to selectively produce N.sub.2 O, N.sub.2, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O without generating significant amounts of NO.sub.x to permit the reaction products to be vented directly into the atmosphere. The catalyst includes a selected amount of a noble or base metal deposited on a catalyst support comprising titania or zirconia. One or more of the elements molybdenum, tungsten or vanadium are added as promoters to the composition which minimizes the generation of NO.sub.x among the reaction products. Lanthanum may be added to provide better thermal stability and increase the selectivity for producing N.sub.2 among the reaction products.