Prussian blue onto activated carbon as a catalyst for heterogeneous fenton-like processes.

Abstract

The main goal of this contribution is the development of a new heterogeneous Fenton-like oxidation system based on Prussian Blue supported over a commercially available granular activated carbon (GAC). The catalysts were prepared following basically three different approaches: (i) Prussian Blue (Fe3[Fe(CN)6]2) particles adsorbed onto the GAC by impregnation, (ii) Prussian Blue nanoparticles (PBNP) prepared ex-situ and adsorbed onto the GAC; and (iii) PBNP prepared in-situ onto the GAC. The catalysts were characterized by SEM, EDS, BET surface area and Fe content. Their performance in the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of a model azo dye, Orange G, was tested in a batch lab-scale stirred reactor. Activity and stability runs were carried out and analyzed in terms of dye discoloration, Total Organic Carbon removal, UV-vis spectra and degree of iron leaching.