Heterogeneous Catalytic Supercritical Water Oxidation of Refractory Organic Pollutants in Industrial Wastewaters

AbstractCatalytic supercritical water oxidation (CSCWO) is one of the most environmental-friendly advanced oxidation process. It makes a promising technology for the treatment of refractory organic pollutants in industrial wastewaters. Various heterogeneous catalysts including metal oxides have been extensively studied to enhance the efficiency of CSCWO. The present review is concerned about the literatures published in this regard. Phenolics, carboxylic acids and N-containing compounds were taken as model pollutants in most cases, and oxides of Cr, Mn, Co, V, Cu, Zn, Al, Ti and Ce were applied as heterogeneous catalysts. Reports on their characterization and catalytic performances for the CSCWO of aqueous pollutants are reviewed. Discussions are also made on the reaction mechanisms and kinetics proposed for heterogeneous CSCWO.