Photo-Fenton oxidation of acetic acid on supported LaFeO3 and Pt/LaFeO3 perovskites

Photo-Fenton process uses Fe2+ as homogeneous catalyst, hydrogen peroxide and UV light to mineralize organic pollutants by the formation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. Several limitations to this process are present, such as the limited operational pH range to avoid oxyhydroxide sludge formation and the catalyst recovery. Heterogeneous photo-Fenton process based on structured catalyst can avoid a subsequent separation stage, overcoming these disadvantages. In this work, the comparison of performances of LaFeO3 and Pt/LaFeO3 perovskites supported on different honeycomb monoliths, made of cordierite or corundum, were studied. Photo-Fenton oxidation of acetic acid ashowed that LaFeO3 supported on corundum honeycomb was more active than on cordierite monolith. The addition of Pt on catalysts did not help to increase their performance in the studied reaction. Photo-Fenton oxidation tests carried out on catalysts having different content of LaFeO 3 evidenced the existence of an optimal loading of active phase. Copyright © 2011, AIDIC Servizi S.r.l.