Red mud treatment with CO2 and acetic acid for applications on Fenton-like and Photocatalysis systems

ABSTRACT Red mud (LV_Nat) as a raw material was used for the preparation of two modified material with 1% (LV_1%) and 5% (LV_5%) of acetic acid. LV_Nat, LV_1% and LV_5% were characterized (mineralogical composition, specific BET area, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure, Infrared (FTIR) and Mössbauer spectroscopy) and used in catalytic tests. It was observed that the treatment enhanced LV’s surface area about four times. Through oxidative tests carried out with methylene blue (MB), it was found that the most suitable system for both materials was the Photo-Fenton system, with 100% degraded after 3 h of reaction for LV_5% and after 4 h for LV_1%. Acetic acid behaved as co-catalyst being very effective, presenting results observed with the use of organic acid equimolar to H2O2. The application of modified red mud in oxidative catalytic processes is an attractive alternative, which can directly contribute to the use of organic waste.