Efficient degradation of fulvic acids in water by catalytic ozonation with CeO₂/AC

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND Fulvic acids ( FA ), the main organic compounds in landfill leachate, are toxic and bio‐resistant organic compounds. Ozonation is effective in removing non‐biodegradable components and the addition of catalysts can improve the removal rates. The objective of this study is to prepare and improve CeO 2 / AC catalyst for catalytic ozonation of FA . RESULTS The cerium precursor, calcination atmosphere and calcination temperature changed the percentage of Ce 3+ on the surface, thus affecting the catalytic performance of CeO 2 / AC catalyst. A linear relationship was established between the correcting apparent rate constant of FA degradation ( k app / S BET ) and the percentage of Ce 3+ on the surface. The CeO 2 / AC with 5% of Ce loading and calcined under hydrogen atmosphere at 450 °C showed the highest catalytic activity, allowing a FA removal efficiency of 83%. The FA removal efficiency and ozone utilization efficiency were enhanced in O 3 / CeO 2 / AC compared with ozonation alone . CONCLUSION Ce 3+ on the CeO 2 / AC surface is the active site for ozonation, indicating a feasible way to improve the catalytic performance of CeO 2 / AC . The O 3 / CeO 2 / AC process may be applied as a promising treatment method for landfill leachate. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry