Preparation of Fenton Catalysts for Water Treatment

Abstract

In the heterogeneous Fenton reaction, a solid catalyst reacts with H2O2 to generate highly oxidizing free radicals, that degrade organic pollutants in aqueous solutions. In this study, impregnation calcination was used to modify activated carbon and load it with various metal compounds. The synergistic catalysis of the various metal compounds showed improved catalytic activity, and the prepared heterogeneous Fenton catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity, a wide pH range, and good stability. The concentration ratios of the Fenton catalyst impregnation solutions-were as follows: Fe3+, Cu2+, Mn2+, and Ce3+ at 0.45, 0.72, 0.19, and 0.11 mol/L, respectively. The optimal sintering temperature of AC impregnation was determined through TGA/DSC, SEM, SEM-EDS, XPS, and XRD testing. At a final calcination temperature of 900 °C, the degradation efficiency of 10 ppm methylene blue reached 98.25% at pH 5 with 5 mM H2O2. After ten soaking cycles, the degradation efficiency exceeded 90%. The structure and performance of the catalysts were characterized using EPR, BET, ICP, and UV spectroscopy, demonstrating the excellent performance of the catalyst and providing an improved treatment plan for solving wastewater problems.