Metal catalysts impregnated on porous media for aqueous phenol decomposition within three-phase fluidized-bed reactor

Abstract

Performance of metal catalysts to decompose aqueous phenol was experimentally investigated. Comparison of the phenol decomposition rates within three-phase fluidized-bed reactors utilizing only O(3), TiO(2) deposited on silica beads, metal catalyst (Ni or Co) impregnated on mesoporous carbon beads, or O(3) in combination with each catalyst was thoroughly examined. It was found that the use of Co catalyst with the presence of O(3) led to the best removal condition which aqueous phenol was completely decomposed within 10 min (k = 0.1944 min(-1)). In contrast, the use of TiO(2) without O(3) resulted in the worst decomposition of phenol (k = 0.0066 min(-1)). Some intermediate products, such as hydroquinone and catechol, were also detected but their final concentrations were negligibly low.