Application of MIL-53(Fe) metal-organic framework material in catalytic wet oxidation of phenol

Abstract

In the present study, MIL-53(Fe) metal-organic framework material was applied as catalyst for phenol oxidation reaction in aqueous solution with H2O2 under UV radiation. The materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The effects of reaction time, initial phenol concentration, and initial pH of the solution on phenol oxidation reactions were investigated. The results indicated that MIL-53(Fe) could work effectively in the wide pH range from 2 to 10. Phenol was quickly oxidized to form simple organic acids, including acetic acid, formic acid and oxalic acid.