Combined Fenton-MF process increases acrylonitrile removal

The Fenton oxidation process is possessed of the advantages of both oxidation and coagulation processes. In addition to these functions, Fenton's reagent is also a typical initiator of polymerization. The application of the Fenton-microfiltration process for removal of acrylonitrile (AN), which is the major raw material for manufacturing ABS resins, was investigated. As for Fenton oxidation, in the range of pH 2 to pH 4, AN removal efficiency increased as the pH increased. In experiments of the same initial molar ratio of [FeSO₄]₀/[H₂O₂]₀, the higher dosage can obtain the higher removal efficiency. At pH 4, the AN removal increased as the [H₂O₂]₀ increased for each [FeSO₄]₀. Acrylic acid and acrylamide were detected in the solution after Fenton oxidation. On the other hand, acrylamide, polyacrylamide, and polyacrylic acid exist in the precipitate after the Fenton oxidation of AN solution. Moreover, It was also found that the operational mode is an important factor of the combined Fenton-MF process.