Modification of red mud catalyst using oxalic acid-assisted UV treatment for toluene removal

An innovative simplified modification method for red mud had been proposed, which enabled its utilization as an active Fe2O3-rich component for catalytic oxidation of toluene. The Box-Behnken design, based on Response Surface Methodology (RSM), was employed to optimize the modification of bauxite residue using oxalic acid combined with UV irradiation. Based on the experimental conditions, the optimal conditions for three independent parameters were determined: acid leaching time (2 hours), UV irradiation time (1 hour), and acid dosage (150 ml),which was in order to enhance the maximum catalytic efficiency of toluene at 300 °C. Under the optimal preparation conditions provided by the Box-Behnken design, the catalytic efficiency of toluene at 300°C could reach 99.2%. In comparison to the acid-modified mud (MRM) and untreated bauxite residue (RM), the aluminum refinery residue modified with oxalic acid-assisted UV irradiation (MRM-UV) exhibited the formation of oxalate sub-iron precipitates, resulting in significantly lower catalytic temperatures (238°C). Furthermore, through XRF, XRD, XPS, O2-TPD, and H2-TPD analysis, it was discovered that a large amount of iron oxide and calcium oxide formed CaO+Fe2O3→Ca2Fe2O5, strengthening the interaction between iron and calcium, augmenting the migration rate of lattice oxygen from the bulk phase to the surface. Consequently, T50 were reduced by 20.9% and 31.8% when compared to MRM and RM. Moreover, the CO2 selectivity of MRM-UV increased from 8.6% to 70.5% compared to RM at 300°C. Using in situ DRIFTS, the reaction pathway of toluene on MRM-UV was identified as benzyl alcohol → benzaldehyde or benzoyl → benzoate→maleic anhydride→CO2 and H2O. The process refinement reduced VOCs emissions and promoted sustainable waste management by combining oxalic acid with catalytically active red mud. [Display omitted] •Organic acid assisted UV modified red mud as a catalyst.•Optimizing red mud catalyst using RSM, screening optimal preparation conditions.•A modified red mud catalyst with Fe2O3 and Ca2Fe2O5 as active components.