Wet Air Oxidation of Aniline Using Carbon Foams and Fibers Enriched with Nitrogen

Carbonized and activated textile acrylic fibers and melamine foams are tested as catalysts for the wet air oxidation of aniline. The use of carbon materials prepared from foams and fibers enriched with nitrogen improves the rate of aniline removal. Among all the prepared materials, a fiber carbonized at 850 degrees C and activated during 12 h is the most effective material for both aniline and total organic carbon removal. The catalytic activity of this fiber is maintained in consecutive runs. In addition, a strong correlation was observed between the total organic carbon removal and the pyridinic-N group content on the catalyst surface.