Catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of phenol solutions over CuO/CeO2 systems.

Three 5% CuO/CeO(2) catalysts were synthesized by sol-gel, precipitation and combustion methods, followed by incipient wetness impregnation with copper nitrate. The samples were characterized by XRD, TPR, BET and tested for the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of a phenol solution (5 g/L). The reaction took place in a batch reactor at atmospheric pressure, in a temperature range of 60-80°C, during 4h. Phenol conversion, H(2)O(2) consumption, pH and chemical oxygen demand were determined. The reaction temperature and the catalyst loading did improve the phenol and the H(2)O(2) conversions. The effect on the selectivity towards complete mineralization was less marked, with levels among 60-70%. Stepwise addition of H(2)O(2) was also tested.