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Separation Science and Technology, Vol.41, No.11, 2299-2312, 2006
Copper-catalyzed peroxide oxidation testing for tetraphenylborate decomposition
A new processing option, copper-catalyzed hydrogen peroxide oxidation of tetraphenylborate under alkaline conditions, was demonstrated in laboratory testing. Laboratory-scale tests were conducted to evaluate the use of copper-catalyzed hydrogen peroxide oxidation to treat simulants of the Savannah River Site tank waste. The oxidation process involves the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with a copper catalyst to form hydroxyl free radicals. With an oxidation potential of 2.8 volts, the hydroxyl free radical is a very powerful oxidant, second only to fluorine, and will react with a wide range of organic molecules. The goal is to oxidize the tetraphenylborate completely to carbon dioxide, with minimal benzene generation. Testing was completed in a lab-scale demonstration apparatus at the Savannah River National Laboratory. Greater than 99.8% tetraphenylborate destruction was achieved in less than three weeks. Offgas benzene analysis by a gas chromatograph demonstrated low benzene generation. Analysis of the resulting slurry demonstrated >82.3% organic carbon destruction. The only carbon compounds detected were formate, oxalate, benzene (vapor), carbonate, p-terphenyl, quaterphenyl, phenol, and phenol 3-dimethylamino.