Enhancement of Copper Catalyst Stability for Catalytic Ozonation in Water Treatment Using ALD Overcoating

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of alumina overcoating can significantly enhance the stability of copper oxide-based catalysts for catalytic ozonation of organic compounds in advanced water/wastewater treatment. The catalyst leaching was reduced by about 90% while high (up to 98%) activity was demonstrated in terms of total organic carbon (TOC) removal. Synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy results indicated that the Al₂O₃ protecting layer passivated the under-coordinated copper sites, which were likely to be responsible for leaching.