Catalytic oxidative degradation of phenol using iron oxide promoted sulfonated-ZrO2 by Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)

In this paper, we report the efficiency of iron impregnated on both ZrO2 and sulfonated-ZrO2 catalysts for the catalytic oxidative degradation and mineralization of phenol (as a model organic pollutant) in the Fenton-like process and catalytic ozonation. Fe-impregnated on ZrO2 and sulfonated-ZrO2 catalysts were prepared, characterized, and used as an effective and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the first time for phenol degradation and mineralization in both types of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs). Among the studied catalysts, 4%Fe/sulfonated-ZrO2 exhibited superior performance in ozonation, achieving a total conversion of phenol within 15 min and high mineralization efficiency of 88% in 6 h. And in Fenton like process, achieving a total conversion of phenol in an hour and 64% of mineralization in 6 h. The sulfonation of zirconia followed by Fe impregnation has shown a positive effect on oxidative degradation and mineralization of phenol. The catalyst sustained its activity even after four cycles of regeneration and reuse. Overall, the present study offers Fe/sulfonated-ZrO2 as an attractive catalytic material with high activity and stability for the abatement of phenol. (C) 2018 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.