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.