Vermiculite-based catalysts for oxidation of organic pollutants in water and wastewater

Abstract

In presented work natural expanded vermiculite was used as a starting material for synthesis of Fe-doped catalysts. Material was modified with increasing amount of Fe by ion-exchange and precipitation of iron oxide. Composite materials were characterized with respect to their structure (X-ray diffraction, Infrared spectra using Diffuse Reflectance), agglomeration state of Fe (Ultraviolet-Visible spectra using Diffuse Reflectance) and chemical composition. Activity in H2O2 decomposition as well as in phenol oxidation was studied in liquid phase at atmospheric pressure and temperature up to 70 °C. It was shown that doping with Fe increases catalytic activity. However, excess of iron resulted in formation of undesired side-products.