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Making waves: Unmasking the polymerization transfer pathway in heterogeneous catalytic ozonation
Yutong Duan1, Fang Wang2, Yue Yuan2
1State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environment Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; Research Center of Water Pollution Control Engineering Technology, Chinese Research Academy of Environment Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
Water Research
|May 20, 2026
Summary
Heterogeneous catalytic ozonation (HCO) can lead to carbon polymerization, forming deposits on catalysts. This overlooked fate impacts ozone demand and catalyst performance, requiring a broader carbon assessment beyond mineralization.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Catalysis Science
- Water Treatment Technologies
Background:
- Heterogeneous catalytic ozonation (HCO) is widely used for water treatment.
- Current evaluations focus on pollutant degradation and mineralization, assuming carbon removal equals CO2 conversion.
- This study questions the sole reliance on mineralization as the primary indicator of carbon fate in HCO.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the mineralization-centered paradigm in HCO evaluations.
- To investigate alternative carbon fates beyond complete oxidation to CO2.
- To highlight the significance of polymerization in HCO systems.
Main Methods:
- Stoichiometric comparison of phenol-based HCO systems.
- Direct capture and analysis of interfacial carbon deposits using microscopy, thermal analysis, and spectroscopy.
- Estimation of carbon partitioning into polymerization pathways.
Main Results:
- Ozone input was insufficient for complete mineralization in some HCO systems.
- A nanoscale carbon shell, identified as polymeric, formed at the catalyst interface.
- Polymerization accounted for approximately 8.9% of initial carbon in the studied MgO/Al2O3-catalyzed phenol ozonation.
Conclusions:
- HCO can lead to carbon redistribution, including formation of interfacial polymeric deposits.
- Polymerization represents an overlooked carbon fate in HCO, impacting ozone demand and catalyst deactivation.
- HCO evaluation requires an integrated carbon fate framework, moving beyond solely mineralization efficiency.
Keywords:
Carbon fateHeterogeneous catalytic ozonationInterfacial depositionPolymerization-driven carbon transferStoichiometric imbalanceMore Related Videos
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