The oxidative degradation of phenol via in situ H2O2 synthesis using Pd supported Fe-modified ZSM-5 catalysts

The oxidative degradation of organic contaminants via the in situ synthesis of H2O2 from dilute streams of H-2 and O-2 has the potential to significantly reduce the detrimental environmental and health effects associated with the discharge of such pollutants into water bodies, while offering enhanced activity compared to traditional approaches to water treatment. Herein we investigate the efficacy of a series of bifunctional Pd/Fe-ZSM-5 catalysts towards the degradation of phenol, a model wastewater contaminant, where Fe is responsible for the generation of highly reactive oxygen-based species (ROS) from the synthesised H2O2. In particular we demonstrate that through control of Fe speciation and Pd oxidation state it is possible to achieve total conversion of phenol and its derivatives, while also making substantial improvements in regard to catalyst stability over previously studied materials.