Ozone-assisted catalytic oxidation of aqueous nitrite ions on HZSM-5 zeolites

Simultaneous removal of NO_x and SO₂ during the wet absorption process has made it possible for nitrogen resource utilization. However, nitrites formation at high ratio in absorption solution would limit its application. In this study, the catalytic oxidation behaviors of aqueous nitrite ions assisted by ozone on HZSM-5 zeolites with different SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratios have been investigated. The experimental results revealed that the oxidation and disproportionation reactions of nitrite ions took place competitively, both of which were accelerated under acidic condition. Moreover, the introduction of HZSM-5 zeolites and ozone would significantly improve the nitrite oxidation rate, where the zeolites with high SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratios were found to be more effective owing to the enhanced adsorption of nitrite ions and ozone. Based on the results under different operating conditions (such as O₃ concentration, HZSM-5 dosage, pH values and presence of radical scavengers etc.), the reaction mechanism was then proposed. The disproportionation reaction of nitrite ions mainly occurred in the bulk solution. And the catalytic oxidation of nitrite ions over zeolites proceeded via a non-radical surface reaction between the adsorbed nitrite ions and ozone/oxygen molecular.