Iron oxide supported over mesostructured SBA-15 material (Fe
2O
3/SBA-15) has been used in a fixed-bedreactor (FBR) for the catalytic wet hydrogen peroxide oxidation (CWHPO) of phenolic aqueous solutions.This catalyst is agglome
rated by extrusion with different particle sizes (0.35-2 mm) using bentonite mine
ralclay and methyl cellulose as inorganic and organic binders, respectively. Seve
ral variables, such as the feedflow
rate, the weight of the catalyst bed, and the particle size, have been studied in order to optimize theope
ration conditions for phenol mine
ralization. Activity of catalyst in terms of phenol deg
radation and TOCreduction has been monitored. Internal diffusional problems by the increase of the particle size seem not toplay a dominant role in the ove
rall catalytic performance. Loadings of catalysts higher than 2.9 g for 1 cm
3/min of 1 g/L phenolic aqueous solution, equivalent to residence times
3.1-3.8 min, have not substantiallyaffected the phenol and TOC reduction. Under the best ope
ration conditions, complete phenol deg
radationand remarkable TOC conversion (ca. 66%) have been achieved at steady-state conditions. The role of Fe
2O
3/SBA-15 catalyst as compared to a homogeneous catalytic system and the long-term activity of the heterogeneouscatalyst have been also demonst
rated for the continuous treatment of an aqueous phenolic solution.