The main objective of Project REFRACAT is the study of the use of two advanced oxidation processes i.e. photocatalytic ozonation and catalytic oxidation with in-situ generated hydrogen peroxide, by using new multifunctional catalysts, as well as study the effect of the presence of UVA-visible or solar radiation in these systems to eliminate refractory contaminants in water, that is, those compounds with low or no reactivity with ozone that cannot be eliminated in the basic operation units used in the treatment of water and wastewater.

 

Furthermore, the processes, at the best operating conditions deduced from the experimental results with refractory compounds, will be applied for the treatment of some urban and industrial wastewaters. In the case of urban water, the AOP will be performed after the conventional biological treatment. The final objective is to reuse the wastewater after the AOP treatment. Consequently, the quality of this treated water obtained after the AOP process should reach the legal requirements (RD 1620/2007). Batch and continuous reactors will be used for in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide (Fenton and photo-Fenton) and semicontinuos cylindrical or cylindrical-parabolic composite photocatalytic reactors (CPC for the use of solar radiation) for photocatalytic ozonation.

 

Each group, according to their experience, will be responsible for carrying out the experiments with the corresponding advanced oxidation process. For tasks related to the synthesis and characterization of catalysts both research groups will apply their experience and will share methods and catalysts to be applied in their corresponding AOP. Thus, UEX group will focus on catalysts based on TiO2 or similar (WO3) and of magnetic type while the URV group will lead the methods for the synthesis of catalysts composed by metal nanoparticles on different supports like Al2O3, TiO2, and hydrotalcites. Both groups will share the methodologies and will comment and discuss the methods to apply by introducing the appropriate modifications to increase the catalytic activity. This collaboration implies a deep characterization of catalysts. In all the cases, the results of both AOPs will be compared since both groups will work with the same refractory compounds and wastewater. Here it is also included the comparison with results obtained from the application of catalytic ozonation (UEX group) and Fenton and Photo-Fenton oxidation (URV group). The latter results will allow both groups to know the advantages and drawbacks of AOPs studied and establish practical conclusions to improve their application. Therefore, the collaborative work does not only optimize the available resources but also complement the studies of both groups.

 

In addition, a Dissemination Plan of results, to favor the presence of the project in the media and promote the scientific knowledge as far as AOPs to treat the water are concerned, will be developed. Thus, seminars, presentations and conferences on the project will be organized. Also, EPOs supporting the project and institutions or entities that benefit the obtained results will be involved.