Performance of sludge based catalysts in catalytic wet oxidation of phenol

Abstract

The catalytic potential of sludge based materials produced by steam or CO2 activation from non treated dewatered raw sludge or dewatered mesophilic anaerobically digested sludge were tested in the oxidation of phenol. Batch and continuous experiments were conducted to assess activity and stability of carbons in terms of phenol conversion, carbon burn off and metal leaching. Overall, catalytic activity of materials can be considered very satisfactory when compared to commercial carbons. However, further research on preparation is required to improve their thermal and mechanical stability and resistance to metal leaching.