Recycled Refinery Waste Catalyst Removes Formaldehyde at Room Temperature for Cheaper Air Purifiers

Researchers at Hefei University of Technology developed a catalyst that oxidizes formaldehyde into carbon dioxide and water at room temperature, using manganese oxide supported on spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst from oil refineries. The best variant, Mn14/SFCCC-SP, achieved over 95% removal in dynamic tests with high gas flow, and stayed stable across repeated cycles. This approach cuts catalyst costs significantly because the support is industrial waste, and the active metal is abundant manganese instead of precious metals. Formaldehyde is a common indoor pollutant from furniture, paints, and adhesives, linked to respiratory issues and cancer. Traditional methods like activated carbon only trap it, while catalytic oxidation destroys it. The new catalyst's high oxygen vacancy density and redox cycling (Mn4+/Mn3+) enable efficient low-temperature conversion. By turning a refinery waste stream into a useful air purification component, the process addresses both waste management and indoor air quality, making it a practical and scalable solution for homes, offices, and schools.