Development of new catalysts for fenton-like processes for endocrine disruptors degradation

Abstract

Advanced Oxidative Processes (AOP) are based on the generation of hydroxyl radicals (HO*) that are capable of degrading organic compounds into harmless compounds. One of the precursors of hydroxyl radicals is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) which when coupled with the Fenton process provides an increase in the rate of hydroxyl radical formation to achieve greater efficiency in the degradation of organic compounds. However, the homogeneous Fenton process has disadvantages such as: low operating pH range and need for iron catalyst recovery. Thus, heterogeneous Fenton-like processes aim to overcome the disadvantages found in the homogeneous Fenton process, and the search for new catalyst materials is a constant challenge. The objective of this project is to develop new cerium oxide-based catalytic materials to act as heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts. In addition, we will study the possibility of supporting the heterogeneous catalysts in graphene or amorphous carbon black matrixes. The heterogeneous catalysts will be synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and BET analysis. The catalysts materials will be tested for the degradation of bisphenol A. The tests will be performed in a flow reactor containing an aqueous solution with hydrogen peroxide and the catalyst. The effect of operating parameters on the degradation efficiency, such as initial pH and catalyst content will be studied. (AU)