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The catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of methyl and dimethylamines was studied. A commercial peach stones activated carbon and its oxidized and reduced forms were used as catalysts. The observed catalytic behavior is related to the presence of oxygenated surface functional groups on the activated carbons. The N-compounds were selectively oxidized to nitrogen, water and carbon dioxide using these activated carbon catalysts. It is proposed that the quinonic surface groups are responsible for the selective catalytic oxidation of these amines. Carboxylic, lactonic and anhydride groups strongly adsorb the amine compounds producing inhibition of the catalytic activity of the activated carbon in the CWAO process.

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