Catalytic wet air oxidation of phenol aqueous solutions by 1%Ru/CeO2-Al2O3 catalysts prepared by different methods

MASSA P; IVORRA F; HAURE P; MEDINA CABELLO F; FENOGLIO R

CATALYSIS COMMUNICATIONS

Año: 2006

1566-7367

The catalytic oxidation of phenol solutions (5 g/L) has been studied in a Trickle Bed Reactor operated at 140º C and 7 atm of oxygen pressure. Activity screening experiments were performed over several 1%Ru/CeO2-Al2O3 samples.   Catalysts were prepared by different methods: impregnation, co-impregnation, co-precipitation and surfactant.  Phenol conversion as well as chemical oxygen demand were evaluated from liquid samples obtained at steady state.  Results indicate that the performance of the 1%Ru/CeO2-Al2O3 catalysts is influenced by the preparation method.  For all the catalysts tested,  phenol conversions diminished with reaction time and  selectivity toward CO2 production was nearly complete.  Deactivation was attributed to the deposition of carbonaceous residues on the catalytic surface and to the transformation of the alumina support into  the bohemite phase