Oxidation of chlorophenols with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of goethite

The use of goethite (alpha-FeOOH) and hydrogen peroxide was recently found that they could effectively oxidize organic compounds. The study was to inv estigate the effect of goethite particle size: goethite concentration, Fe2 and Fe3+ on the 2-chlorophenol oxidation. Results indicated that 2-chlorop henol can be decomposed with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by goethite and th e oxidation rate increased with decreasing goethite particle size. 2-Chloro phenol degradation was almost retarded with 0.8 g/l of goethite because fer rous ions could not be produced at this condition. Addition of Fe2+ and Fe3 + can enhance the catalytic oxidation rate of 2-chlorophenol very efficient ly. In conclusion, the main mechanism of goethite catalyzing hydrogen perox ide to oxidize 2-chlorophenol may be due to the catalysis of ferrous ions a nd goethite surface. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.