Mesoporous Silica-Confined Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles as Highly Efficient Catalysts for the Low-Temperature Elimination of Formaldehyde

Manganese(IV) oxide was synthesized through crystallization in confined space by using the SBA‐15 silica support. The evolution of textural, morphological, structural, and redox properties of the manganese phase in the composites has been studied in terms of different parameters such as impregnation route, manganese loading, and activation temperature. High performances of nanoscaled manganese(IV) oxide for low‐temperature formaldehyde oxidation have been obtained. The optimization of preparation parameters enabled the complete conversion of formaldehyde at temperatures as low as 130 °C, which is comparable to the activity of the reference platinum catalyst that demonstrates complete conversion at similar temperatures. Manganese in, formaldehyde out: The supported nanoparticles of MnO2 are demonstrated as efficient catalysts for the oxidation of formaldehyde. High activity and selectivity toward carbon dioxide are achieved over high‐loading Mn4+ materials. Mn‐containing nanocomposites can be considered as a realistic material to replace or partially substitute noble metals in catalytic formulations for the oxidation of volatile organic compounds.