Ce1-xFexO2 nanocatalysts for priority organic pollutants removal through catalytic wet air oxidation

Abstract

A series of Ce 1-x Fe x O 2 nanocatalysts, prepared by co-precipitation method, were applied for the catalytic oxidation of priority organic pollutants present in paper industry wastewater. To investigate the synergic effect of various Fe contents, detailed characterizations of Ce 1-x Fe x O 2 were done by Raman, XPS, XRD, TEM and EDX techniques. The addition of Fe to CeO 2 lattice increased the amount of oxygen vacancies, which have an efficient role in the oxidation of organic pollutants under oxygen-rich conditions. Ce 0.4 Fe 0.6 O 2 catalyst showed the highest removal of TOC (72%), AOX (68%), chlorophenols (62%) and chloroguaicols (86%). The superior catalytic activity of Ce 0.4 Fe 0.6 O 2 is ascribed to its higher oxygen vacancy concentration. The presence of two oxidation states of Ce (4+,3+) and Fe (3+,2+) confirmed the role of redox couples in oxidation of organic pollutants.