Catalytic oxidation of Fe(II) by activated carbon in the presence of oxygen.: Effect of the surface oxidation degree on the catalytic activity

The catalytic oxidation of Fe(II) species in aqueous solution by activated carbons with different degrees of surface oxidation is described. The parent activated carbon was oxidized with aqueous solutions of nitric acid or hydrogen peroxide, and submitted to thermal treatment at 373, 523 and 773 K. The activated carbons prepared were characterized by N₂ adsorption and temperature-programmed desorption, and their catalytic behavior was determined by measuring the oxidation rate of Fe(II) to Fe(III) and the generation of hydrogen peroxide. Catalytic activity is a function of the nature of oxygen surface groups generated by oxidation.