Catalytic Effect of Active Carbon Black Chezacarb in Wet Oxidation of Phenol

The catalytic effects of hydrophilic granulated active carbon black Chezacarb have been tested in the oxidation of dilute (5 000 ppm) aqueous solutions of phenol. The research was focused on combined utilization of sorption and chemical (oxygen functional groups) properties of carbon black which support formation of free radicals in oxidation and on the catalytic effects of metals (Fe, Ni and V) present in the sorbent mentioned. The oxidation was carried out in a stainless steel autoclave of 1.25 l capacity. The reaction temperatures and the total pressures varied in the intervals of 120-160 °C and 3-5 MPa, respectively. The reaction mixture was analyzed by means of HPLC with UV detection (254 nm). The experimental data were evaluated by means of the ASPEN PLUS 9.2 program. The model of laboratory autoclave involved the reaction kinetics as well as the phase equilibria and dissolution of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the reaction mixture. Although the active carbon black shows a lower catalytic activity than the usual copper catalyst in the wet oxidation, it has the advantage of avoiding the undesirable releases of heavy metals in waste waters, which escapes accompany the application of copper catalysts.