Phenol degradation using hydroxyl radicals generated from zero-valent iron and hydrogen peroxide

• Published in: Applied catalysis. B, Environmental Vol. 63; no. 1-2; pp. 15 - 19
• Main Authors: Bremner, David H., Burgess, Arthur E., Houllemare, Didier, Namkung, Kyu-Cheol
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 22.03.2006; Elsevier
• Subjects: Catalysis; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; Fenton reaction; General and physical chemistry; Organic pollutants; Oxidation; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry; Fenton reaction; Oxidation; Organic pollutants; Hydrogen peroxide; HPLC chromatography; Alcohol; Transition metal; Iron; Degradation; Pollutant; Phenol; Benzenic compound; Hydroxyl
• ISSN: 0926-3373; 1873-3883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2005.09.005

The degradation of the model pollutant phenol with hydroxyl radicals generated from zero-valent iron and hydrogen peroxide has been investigated by means of HPLC analysis of the intermediates. The optimum conditions for degradation utilise the continuous presence of iron metal, acidic pH and relatively concentrated hydrogen peroxide (9.5M). When less stringent conditions were used, the products obtained from the decomposition are broadly the same but are formed over a much longer timescale. The intermediates in the oxidation were identified as catechol, hydroquinone, benzoquinone, maleic acid and a relatively stable product, tentatively identified as an organic complex of iron and oxidised catechol.