The aim of this study was to reduce the emissions of organic compounds, such as BTX (benzene, toluene and xylenes), due to their toxicity and adverse effects on the environment. In this regard, catalysts (SiO2(1-x)Cu x) were developed which exhibit high catalytic activity for converting BTX compounds to CO2 and H2O, and which do not require the use of solvents and materials detrimental to the environment, with low production cost and good reproducibility. Cu (from copper(II) nitrate) was loaded (2.99; 5.01; 10.01 and 19.97 wt.%) onto supports (SiO2) by wet impregnation. The study was carried out within the temperature range of 50-350 ºC. The catalysts described in this paper have high catalytic activity in the total oxidation of BTX. The conversion of benzene in this study exceeded 85% at 150 ºC.
copper; SiO2; BTX; catalytic oxidation
