Catalytic ozonation performance and surface property of supported Fe3O4 catalysts dispersions

Fe₃O₄ was supported on mesoporous Al₂O₃ or SiO₂ (50 wt.%) using an incipient wetness impregnation method, and Fe₃O₄/Al₂O₃ exhibited higher catalytic efficiency for the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and para-chlorobenzoic acid aqueous solution with ozone. The effect and morphology of supported Fe₃O₄ on catalytic ozonation performance were investigated based on the characterization results of X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, BET analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that the physical and chemical properties of the catalyst supports especially their Lewis acid sites had a significant influence on the catalytic activity. In comparison with SiO₂, more Lewis acid sites existed on the surface of Al₂O₃, resulting in higher catalytic ozonation activity. During the reaction process, no significant Fe ions release was observed. Moreover, Fe₃O₄/Al₂O₃ exhibited stable structure and activity after successive cyclic experiments. The results indicated that the catalyst is a promising ozonation catalyst with magnetic separation in drinking water treatment.