Oxidation of chlorophenols with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of goethite

The use of goethite (alpha-FeOOH) and hydrogen peroxide was recently found that they could effectively oxidize organic compounds. The study was to investigate the effect of goethite particle size, goethite concentration, Fe2+ and Fe3+ on the 2-chlorophenol oxidation. Results indicated that 2-chlorophenol can be decomposed with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by goethite and the oxidation rate increased with decreasing goethite particle size. 2-Chlorophenol degradation was almost retarded with 0.8 g/l of goethite because ferrous ions could not be produced at this condition. Addition of Fe2+ and Fe3+ can enhance the catalytic oxidation rate of 2-chlorophenol very efficiently. In conclusion, the main mechanism of goethite catalyzing hydrogen peroxide to oxidize 2-chlorophenol may be due to the catalysis of ferrous ions and goethite surface.