Introduction: There are various methods for VOC abatement from air among which the catalytic method is more conventional. Using modified natural zeolites is one of the catalytic methods. In this research for the first time, dealuminated (acid treated) natural clinoptilolite zeolite was used for the total oxidation of toluene.
 
Materials & methods: The chemical modification of the zeolite is conducted by acid treating, ion-exchange and calcination methods. Then catalytic behavior of the sample was investigated using the integral fixed bed catalytic reactor. In this work, the effect of variables such as reactor temperature, flow rate of pollutant and extent of dealumination was evaluated.
 
Findings: The dealuminated clinoptilolite zeolite showed a promising performance for toluene abatement via total oxidation of toluene so that temperature corresponding to the maximum activity (100% conversion of toluene) was shifted to lower temperature (300 °C).
 
Discussion & Conclusions: The results showed that zeolite and its preparation method can be an effective method for VOCs abatement like toluene.