Co-Ce/Activated Carbon as a New Catalyst for Catalytic Wet Air Oxidation of Phenol

Catalytic wet air oxidation of phenol was investigated using the Co-Ce/activated carbon (AC) catalysts by varying the catalyst loading and the reaction temperature under the mild operating conditions (150rC and PO₂= 0.8 MPa). The Co-Ce/AC catalyst calcined at 700degC exhibited high oxidation activity in the removal of phenol and mineralization when the molar radio of Co to Ce was 1:1. About 71.65 % TOC removal of phenol were achieved under the optimal conditions. The leaching of Co and Ce was very low. Small amounts of intermediates such as catechol,hydroquinone,p-benzoquinone,p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and organic acids were confirmed after the wet oxidation runs. Based on these results, an oxidation process and a novel catalyst are proposed.