Catalytic Removal of Phenols with PtRu alloy/MoS2 Nanoparticles Embedded in Hyper-Cross-Linked Polymers

Here we report the performance in phenol heterogeneous catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of polystyrene based hyper-cross-linked polymer (HCLP) synthesized with a new synthetic route. The resin loaded with nanoparticles of PtRu-alloy covered by MoS nanosheets, prepared according to a "wet chemical" approach, was tested as catalyst in an experimental plant at atmospheric pressure. The results of the Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) performed on the reaction solution after 5 h of reaction, evidenced the presence of acetic acid (retention time 14.17 min), which is one of the main biodegradable end products of phenol oxidation. At 19.95 min retention time is possible to evaluate the presence of non-reacted phenol. A phenol conversion up to 98 % was achieved.