International Journal of
Physical Sciences

  • Abbreviation: Int. J. Phys. Sci.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1992-1950
  • DOI: 10.5897/IJPS
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 2574

Full Length Research Paper

Porous ferrite synthesis and catalytic effect on benzene degradation

Hsing-Cheng Lu1, Juu-En Chang1*, Weng-Wa Vong1, Hung-Ta Chen2 and Ying-Liang Chen3
  1Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City 701, Taiwan. 2Refining and Manufacturing Research Institute, CPC Corporation, Chiayi City 600, Taiwan. 3Sustainable Environment Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City 709, Taiwan.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Published: 18 February 2011

Abstract

 

In this study, feasibility of porous ferrite (MFe2O4) synthesis and catalytic effect on benzene degradation was evaluated. Various types of ferrites were synthesized by CuO, ZnO, NiO, and Fe2O3 under different Fe/M molar ratios and sintering temperatures. Porous ferrite synthesized by NiO, Fe2O3, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and kaolinite addition with appropriate sintering conditions were used in column tests to simulate benzene degradation in permeable catalyst barriers. Results from this research showed NiFe2O4sintered with Fe/M molar ratio of 2 at 1000°C had highest removal efficiency on Fenton-like benzene degradation. The removal efficiency of different ferrites on benzene degradation is in the order of: NiFe2O4 > ZnFe2O4 > CuFe2O4 > Fe3O4. Significant removal of benzene was observed when benzene/H2O2 (w/w) ratio = 1/32 and hydraulic retention time of 330 s. Under such reaction conditions, 94.98% of benzene was degraded at a relative liquid volume of 120. According to this study, porous Ni ferrite synthesized with Fe/M molar ratio = 2, 5% PVA, 10% kaolinite and sintered at 1000°C under nitrogen atmosphere for 3 h was a favorable catalyst in generating Fenton-like reaction. It was regarded as potential catalytic material with environmental friendly characteristics that can be used in permeable catalytic barriers.

 

Key words: Ferrite, Fenton-like, benzene, permeable catalytic barriers.