Preparation of Granulated Biomass Carbon Catalysts-Structure Tailoring, Characterization, and Use in Catalytic Wet Air Oxidation of Bisphenol A

New carbonized biomass-metakaolin (PSD/MK_Fe) granular composite catalyst materials were manufactured for the catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of bisphenol A (BPA). These catalysts were characterized using different analytical and spectroscopic techniques, and results showed that the catalysts' final properties were influenced by the addition of metakaolin (MK), polyvinyl alcohol, boric acid, and iron. Under the optimal CWAO experimental conditions (p: 20 bar, T: 160 degrees C, initial pH: 5-6, c[catalyst]: 1.0 g/L), nearly complete BPA conversion (>98%) and total organic carbon (TOC) conversion of 70% were reached. A key factor behind the enhanced catalytic activity was high specific surface area, although catalytic activity was also affected by surface acidity. These results confirmed the high efficiency of the current BPA conversion process involving the use of the easily separable and reusable PSD/MK_Fe catalyst. Therefore, biomass composite catalysts can be regarded as efficient catalysts for the oxidation of BPA during the CWAO process.

Automated summary

New carbonized biomass-metakaolin (PSD/MK_Fe) granular composite catalyst materials were successfully manufactured for the catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of bisphenol A (BPA). The catalysts showed high efficiency in achieving nearly complete BPA conversion (>98%) and total organic carbon (TOC) conversion of 70% under optimal conditions. The enhanced catalytic activity was attributed to the high specific surface area of the catalysts, along with the surface acidity playing a role in affecting the catalytic activity.