Catalytic wet peroxidation of phenol in a fixed bed reactor.

Iron-containing mesostructured materials (Fe-SBA-15) are suitable for continuous treatment of phenolic aqueous solutions by means of catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) in a packed-bed reactor. These materials were successfully extruded, crushed and sieved with a particle size ranging from 1 to 1.6 mm using mineral clay and methyl cellulose as binders. Non-significant changes have been found in the textural and structural properties of the extruded material in comparison to the parent powder Fe-SBA-15 material. Activity of extruded catalyst in terms of phenol degradation and TOC reduction has been monitored in a continuous mode. The increase of residence time enhances significantly the TOC degradation. The catalyst stability, taking into account the loss of iron species from the catalyst into the aqueous solution, has also been examined. The catalytic results of Fe-SBA-15 material in comparison to a homogeneous catalytic test prove the relevant role of the solid catalyst in the oxidation process.