Heterogeneous Fenton-like oxidation of petrochemical wastewater using a magnetically separable catalyst (MNPs@C): process optimization, reaction kinetics and degradation mechanisms

Heterogeneous Fenton-like oxidation of petrochemical wastewater using a magnetically separable catalyst (MNPs@C): process optimization, reaction kinetics and degradation mechanisms

Type	Journal Article
Author	Babak Kakavandi
Author	Ali Akbar Babaei
URL	http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2016/ra/c6ra17624k
Volume	6
Issue	88
Pages	84999-85011
Publication	RSC Advances
Date	2016/09/06
Abstract	The strong tendency of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) to agglomerate limits their application in oxidation processes, due to the reduction of surface/volume ratio, dispersion stability and catalytic activity. To solve this problem, researchers coated MNPs with an average size of 50 nm on an activated carbon surface in order to prepare a magnetic recoverable composite (MNPs@C). They employed it as a heterogeneous catalyst in the Fenton oxidation for petrochemical wastewater (PCW) treatment, due to its high ability in decompose H2O2 molecules. The activity of the catalyst was assessed for the Fenton reaction using COD removal efficiency. Experiments related to the Fenton oxidation process (FOP) were conducted in order for process optimization and evaluation of the degradation kinetics and mechanism. Researchers observed that both oxidation Fenton and adsorption processes occurred simultaneously in the MNPs@C/H2O2 system. Results revealed that the organic compounds in the PCW have been degraded by the hydroxyl free radicals (˙OH) released from decomposition of H2O2 in the presence of MNPs@C. The MNPs@C/H2O2 system, as a promising technique, can provide appropriate conditions for the pretreatment of PCW prior to biological processes or as a tertiary treatment for the reuse of effluents.