Efficient degradation of fulvic acids in water by catalytic ozonation with CeO2/AC

Abstract

AbstractBACKGROUNDFulvic acids (FA), the main organic compounds in landfill leachate, are toxic and bio‐resistant organic compounds. Ozonation is effective in removing non‐biodegradable components and the addition of catalysts can improve the removal rates. The objective of this study is to prepare and improve CeO2/AC catalyst for catalytic ozonation of FA.RESULTSThe cerium precursor, calcination atmosphere and calcination temperature changed the percentage of Ce3+ on the surface, thus affecting the catalytic performance of CeO2/AC catalyst. A linear relationship was established between the correcting apparent rate constant of FA degradation (kapp/SBET) and the percentage of Ce3+ on the surface. The CeO2/AC with 5% of Ce loading and calcined under hydrogen atmosphere at 450 °C showed the highest catalytic activity, allowing a FA removal efficiency of 83%. The FA removal efficiency and ozone utilization efficiency were enhanced in O3/CeO2/AC compared with ozonation alone.CONCLUSIONCe3+ on the CeO2/AC surface is the active site for ozonation, indicating a feasible way to improve the catalytic performance of CeO2/AC. The O3/CeO2/AC process may be applied as a promising treatment method for landfill leachate. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry