Sonocatalytic degradation of phenol catalyzed by nano-sized zero valent Cu and Ni

In this study, a successful degradation of phenol was achieved using nanosized zero-valent copper ( NZVC) or nanosized zero- valent nickel ( NZVN) in combination with H2O2 and 20 kHz ultrasound irradiation. The effect of H2O2 concentration, initial pH, catalyst amount, and ultrasonic irradiation time on the degradation efficiency was investigated, and the reaction kinetics was discussed. The results showed that the degradation extent increases with increasing catalyst amount and irradiation time, but decreases with increasing initial pH value. These results also revealed that the degradation of phenol is intensified in the presence of NZVC or NZVN and H2O2, which can be attributed to the enhanced production of center dot OH radicals in the system. Thus, an appropriate selection of operating conditions will lead to an economical and highly efficient technology with eventual large-scale commercial applications for the degradation of organic pollutants in aqueous effluents.