Low-temperature iron-modified cobalt oxide system Part 2. Catalytic oxidation of phenol in aqueous phase

Liquid-phase oxidation using a solid catalyst provides a potential method f or removal of dissolved toxic organic pollutants from waste waters. Low-tem perature heterogeneous oxidation of phenol on a cobalt oxide system modifie d with Fe has been studied. The conversion of phenol into nontoxic compound s occurs in air-equilibrated aqueous media. The major hydroxylated aromatic intermediates have been identified by UV-VIS spectroscopy and HPLC: catech ol, hydroquinone and hydroxyhydroquinone. An oxidation mechanism has been p roposed based on the results of the kinetic investigations and on the data obtained by IR and UV spectroscopic studies of the sample. The results obta ined show that the Co-Fe-oxide system is a promising catalyst for practical application. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.