Heterogeneous Fenton-like oxidation of ibuprofen over zirconia-supported iron and copper catalysts: effect of process variables

In this study, a series of iron and copper-based catalysts with varying metal loadings are prepared by wet impregnation over zirconia support and tested as catalyst for the treatment of ibuprofen with a Fenton-like process. The textural and morphological properties of catalysts are investigated by standard techniques. Both iron and copper-based catalysts when loaded with 7.5 wt% of metal affords maximum mineralization activities of 80 and 70% respectively, under optimal conditions. In addition, they only lose 1.7% (0.3 mg) of iron and 6.2% (0.9 mg) of copper during oxidation process. Catalysts exhibit better activities at pH 3 and 5 respectively for Fe and Cu. Iron-based catalysts lose their activities when recycled and the activity of 7.5þ/ZrO2 catalyst decreased °ʇfrom 80 to 38% after 3 cycles. On the contrary Cu-based catalysts maintain their high activity when recycled. Overall, copper-based catalysts are very promising materials with enhanced catalytic activity and high stability for the degradation of ibuprofen in heterogeneous Fenton-like process.