Fe-Ni-Al pillared montmorillonite as a heterogeneous catalyst for the Catalytic Wet Peroxide Oxidation degradation of Orange Acid II: Preparation condition and properties study

The introduction of nickel in Fe-Al pillared montmorillonite was studied to enhance the catalytic performance of metal-pillared clays during Catalytic Wet Peroxide Oxidation (CWPO). Fe-Ni-Al pillared montmorillonite was synthesized by ion exchange method and tested by CWPO reaction. Catalysts were characterized by several methods: chemical composition analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, N-2 adsorption/desorption, Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy, H-2 temperature-programmed reduction and thermal analysis. The results indicated the enhanced structural properties and catalytic performance of prepared clays could correspond to the introduction of active metal oxides as pillars supporting the interlayer space. Besides, the effects of active metal molar loading (AML), Fe/Ni molar ratio and calcination temperature on the pillared clays were measured and discussed. It was proposed the introduction of nickel to the pillaring solution may contribute to better active iron stability and catalytic performance. It turned out the iron presented in the clays as FeOOH form when nickel was introduced. Further, moderate calcination temperature would keep a modified clay structure and retain FeOOH as active sites in the clay, while high temperature (above 773 K) heating process may damage the interlayer structure. Throughout this work, Fe(4)Ni(6)Al-MMT(773 K), heated at 773 K with 4:6 Fe/Ni molar ratio and 6% active metal loading, shows better catalytic behavior and stronger stability among all the prepared materials. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.