Abstract

The treatment of high-salinity petrochemical wastewater presents significant environmental challenges due to its complex mixture of organic contaminants and high salt content. This study explores the application of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), specifically catalytic ozonation, utilizing carbon-coated copper-alumina (C/Cu-Al2O3) core-shell catalysts to address these challenges. The unique structure of C/Cu-Al2O3 catalysts—comprising a copper core, alumina shell, and carbon coating—enhances their stability, surface area, and catalytic efficiency. This study investigates the synthesis, properties, and performance of these catalysts in degrading a range of organic pollutants commonly found in petrochemical effluents. Results indicate that the C/Cu-Al2O3 catalysts significantly improve the generation of hydroxyl radicals, leading to more efficient degradation of contaminants compared to traditional methods. The robustness of these catalysts in high-salinity environments and their ability to achieve high treatment efficiencies at lower ozone doses highlight their potential for industrial-scale wastewater treatment. This research underscores the promise of integrating advanced catalyst design with AOPs to develop effective, sustainable solutions for industrial wastewater remediation.