The use of carbon materials as catalytic support or direct catalyst in catalytic wet air oxidation (WAO) of organic pollutants is reviewed. The discussion covers important engineering aspects including the characterisation, activity and stability of carbon catalysts, process performance, reaction kinetics and reactor modelling. Recommendations for further research in catalytic WAO are outlined.

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The anaerobic reduction of azo dye Acid Orange 7 (AO7) was investigated in a continuous upflow packed-bed reactor (UPBR) containing biological activated carbon (BAC). Preliminary batch experiments using graphite proved the catalytic effect of using a solid electron mediator in the reactor. Before the start of continuous experiments, AO7 adsorption studies were done to control adsorption effects on initial decolorization rates. In a continuous UPBR-BAC system, high azo dye conversion rates were achieved during very short space times (τ) up to 99% in 2.0 min. In order to know which are the crucial and most influencing properties of BAC in AO7 reduction, other materialsgraphite and aluminawith different properties were also tested in UPBRs. The results show that both electron-mediating capability and specific surface area of activated carbon contribute to higher reduction rates. Compared to other continuous and biological processes treating azo dyes, UPBR-BAC seems to be a very effective and promising system for anaerobic azo dye degradation.

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