Degradation of phenolic waste waters over Ni-oxide

The low-temperature oxidation of phenol in an aqueous phase in the presence of Ni-oxide system has been studied. The effects of pH, temperature and th e catalyst amount on the efficiency of the oxidation process have been inve stigated. The results obtained show that phenol is completely oxidized to h armless products-carboxylic acids and CO2 at ambient temperature and pH 6.0 -7.0. The simple scheme for the synthesis of the Ni-oxide system and its re generation is a prerequisite for its application to the purification of was te waters containing toxic compounds. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.