Catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of phenolic solutions over Fe2O3/CeO2 and WO3/CeO2 catalyst systems

Fe2O3/CeO2 and WO3/CeO2 catalysts were synthesized with different metal loading (5-20%), using a simple combustion preparation method. The samples were tested in a batch reactor at atmospheric pressure, in a temperature range of 60-100 degrees C, for 4 h. Phenol conversion and CO2 production levels were evaluated. Iron-containing samples were comparatively more active, reaching a 100% phenol conversion at 80-100 degrees C. The systems were considerably stable in the acidic reaction medium: low iron leaching levels (1-5%) were registered. Selectivity towards complete mineralization was high (75-80%)) and similar for both types of catalytic systems. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.