A Comparison of the Catalytic Activity of Cu-X2 (X=Mn, Co) Nano Mixed Oxides toward Phenol Remediation from Wastewater by Catalytic Wet Peroxide Oxidation

Abstract

The catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of phenol from aqueous wastewater and COD reduction over Cu-Mn2 and Cu-Co2 nano mixed oxides are reported. The effects of process variables of pH, reaction time and hydrogen peroxide dosage were investigated in the process over both catalysts. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and it was concluded that the mixed oxides are in the form of the spinel structure. However, a little bit CuO was found in the mixed oxides. The morphology and particles size of the catalysts were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The morphologies and particle size of the catalyst were approximately the same with an average range of 40-60 nm. The catalytic results indicated the higher activity of CuCo2O4 spinel. The phenol oxidation on Cu-Co2 oxide was 82% after 40 min, whereas on the Cu-Mn2 oxide was 78% even after 50 min. The COD reduction The higher activity and reusability of the Cu-Co2 catalyst is attributed to the high synergistic effect between CuO particles and Cu–Co2 spinel, promoting phenol degradation.