Synthesis, characterization and application of iron-aluminate nodules in advanced Fenton’s oxidation process

Abstract

Application of sol–gel synthesized, porous, iron doped alumina nodule in Fenton’s oxidation process has proved to be an economical and operational oxidant for destruction of model pollutants like benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) under batch conditions. The Effect of variation in pH and H2O2 concentration were studied with respect to BTX and COD removal. The results suggest an effective oxidation of aqueous solution of BTX with iron doped alumina nodules and hydrogen peroxide in acidic medium. It was observed that concentration of 1.5g/l of H2O2 with iron doped alumina nodule catalyst (2.29% w/w of iron doped on alumina) at 3.5 pH was optimum for 99% of BTX degradation and 66% of COD removal. Homogeneous mixing of iron with aluminium alkoxides using sol–gel method has proved to be one of the most effective and economical bottom up approach in the synthesis of sintered, porous, iron doped alumina nodules, which appears to be a promising material in Fenton’s oxidation process.