Electrochemical degradation of 4-chlorophenol at nickel-antimony doped tin oxide electrode

Enhanced electro-oxidation/peroxone (in situ) process with a Ti-based nickel-antimony doped tin oxide anode for phenol degradation

Recently, a novel proof-of-concept oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) based electro-oxidation (EO) process has been developed, which was accomplished by integrating anodic electrochemical oxidation coupled with an in situ electro-peroxone process, by harnessing the anodic by-product O₃ reacted with ORR cathode generated H₂O₂. To further enhance EO coupled in situ electro-peroxone, a nickel and antimony doped tin oxide anodic catalyst layer, namely NATO, was fabricated on Ti mesh to improve anodic oxidation and reinforce the generation of O₃, thus promoting in situ Electro-peroxone. As a result, O₃ generation rate was enhanced by 12.6%. Complete phenol, as a model organic compound, and 95% of TOC removal were achieved, respectively, during ORR-EO. Through kinetics and instrument analysis, results show that the amount of intermediates accumulated during phenol degradation was much less in this Ti/NATO based ORR-EO system than in a traditional EO system. Moreover, 35.7% of the energy consumption was saved for ORR-EO, owing to its reduced applied voltage and the enhanced in situ electro-peroxone process.

Exploring the mechanism of the Fe(iii)-activated Fenton-like reaction based on a quantitative study

The Fenton method is an important water treatment process.

Nickel-foam-supported β-Ni(OH)2 as a green anodic catalyst for energy efficient electrooxidative degradation of azo-dye wastewater

Electrochemical oxidative degradation (EOD) is a particularly promising technique for removing organic pollutants from wastewater. However, due to the high overpotential of EOD in conventional anode materials, the energy cost of EOD is usually very high, which greatly promotes the search for highly active, stable, and energy-efficient anodic catalysts. Herein, we demonstrated that nickel-foam-supported (NF-supported) β-Ni(OH)₂ (NF/β-Ni(OH)₂) prepared via a facile hydrothermal method could be used as an energy efficient anode for EOD. The as-prepared 3D porous NF/β-Ni(OH)₂ exhibited high activity toward the electrochemical oxidation of methyl orange (MO) in the low potential region (<1.07 V vs. SCE). This property differs greatly from those of the conventional anode materials that require a high positive potential to keep them active for EOD, making NF/β-Ni(OH)₂ an energy-efficient and active anode material for EOD. With an oxidation current density of 0.25 mA cm⁻², the decolorization of MO was completed within 30 min, and the COD removal after 3h of reaction was 63.0%. The normalized energy consumption for the 3 h degradation of MO was 22.2 kW h (kg COD)⁻¹, which is only a fraction of (or even one tenth of) the values reported in the literature. Moreover, NF/β-Ni(OH)₂ had a good stability and recyclability for EOD. No activity decay was observed during 10 h of EOD and the COD removal remained almost unchanged after four consecutive reaction cycles. We demonstrated experimentally that the NF/β-Ni(OH)₂ anode could generate large amounts of hydroxyl radicals and that the oxidation of MO by hydroxyl radicals was the main mechanism during EOD. We believe that this work opens a new avenue for developing highly active and energy-efficient anode materials that can work in the low potential region for EOD.

A novel NF/β-Ni(OH)₂ catalyst for energy efficient electrochemical degradation of methyl orange was fabricated via a facile hydrothermal method.

A review of electrocoagulation technology for the treatment of textile wastewater

The conventional coagulation technique of textile wastewater treatments is plagued with the issue of low removal rate of pollutants and generation of a large quantity of sludge. Recently, electrocoagulation (EC) technique gained immense attention due to its efficiency. The technique involves dissolution of the sacrificial anodes to provide an active metal hydroxide as a strong coagulant that destabilizes and amasses particles and then removes them by precipitation or adsorption. EC process is influenced by operating parameters such as applied current density, electrodes material and configuration, type of electrical connection, pH and conductivity of the solution, and mixing state. Consequently, this work reviewed the major and minor reactions of EC process with operational parameters, design of EC cell, mass transfer studies and modeling, and industrial wastewater applications. The work also includes comparison of EC technique with conventional coagulation and combinations with other techniques. Special emphasis is on removal of pollutants from textile wastewater. Further, the electrical energy supplies and cost analysis are also discussed. Even though several publications have covered EC process recently, no review work has treated the systematic process design and how to minimize the effect of passivation layer deposited on the surface of the electrodes. EC process with rotating electrodes has been recommended to reduce this phenomenon. The effect of electrodes geometry is considered to enhance the conductivity of the cell and reduce energy consumption. The studies of ionic mass transfer were not implemented before special by limiting current method during the EC process. Moreover, no aforementioned studies used computational fluid dynamics modeling to present the mass transfer inside the EC reactor.

An in situ FTIR spectroscopic and thermogravimetric analysis study of the dehydration and dihydroxylation of SnO2: the contribution of the (100), (110) and (111) facets

Nanoparticulate SnO2 produced by a hydrothermal method was characterised by BET, XRD, TGA-MS and in situ variable temperature diffuse reflectance infra red spectroscopy (DRIFTS) to determine the surface behaviour of water. For the (100) facets, hydrogen bonding does not occur, and water adsorption is less strong than for the (111) and (110) facets where hydrogen bonding does occur. Reversible uptake of oxygen was observed. These findings have implications for other surface-gas reactions in which Ni and Sb co-doped SnO2 (NATO) anodes are used for ozone generation. BET showed the relatively high surface area and nanometer scale of the SnO2 particles, whilst XRD confirmed the nano dimension of the crystallites and showed only the cassiterite phase. TGA analysis indicated four temperature regions over which mass loss was observed. These and the in situ DRIFTS studies revealed the existence of various forms of water associated with specific crystal facets of the SnO2, as well as the existence of isolated O-H groups and adsorbed oxygen species. Electronic absorptions were also observed and the data rationalised in terms of the existence of both free electron absorptions, and absorptions from oxygen vacancy states. The role of adsorbed molecular oxygen in electrochemical ozone generation at Ni and Sb co-doped SnO2 (NATO) anodes was strongly suggested by this work.

Reactivity of carbon black diamond electrode during the electro-oxidation of Remazol Brilliant Blue R

This article reports for the first time, the reactivity of Carbon Black Diamond (CBD) electrode using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance techniques in 0.25 M H₂SO₄ solution containing 0.5 mM K₄Fe(CN)₆.

Liquid-solid spinodal decomposition mediated synthesis of Sb₂Se₃ nanowires and their photoelectric behavior

The convenient synthesis of one-dimensional nanostructures of chalcogenide compounds with a visible band-gap is an essential research topic in developing next-generation photoelectronic devices. In particular, the design of a theoretically predictable synthesis process provides great flexibility and has a considerable ripple effect in nanotechnology. In this study, a novel rational growth approach is designed using the spinodal decomposition phenomenon for the synthesis of the Sb2Se3 nanowires, which is based on the thermodynamic phase diagram. Using a stacked elemental layer (Sb/Sb-Se/Se) and heat treatment at 623 K for 30 min under an N2 atmosphere, the vertically inclined one-dimensional nanostructures are experimentally demonstrated. An additional annealing process at 523 K in a vacuum effectively removed excess Se elements due to their high vapor pressure, resulting in highly dense single crystal Sb2Se3 nanowire arrays. Adaption of our synthesis approach enables significantly improved photocurrent generation in the vertically stacked structure (glass/ITO/Sb2Se3 nanowires/ITO/PEN) from 6.4 (dark) to under 690 μA (at 3 V under AM 1.5G). In addition, a photoelectrochemical test demonstrated their p-type conductivity and robust photocorrosion performance in 0.5 M H2SO4.

Photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol over Ag/MFe2O4 (M = Co, Zn, Cu, and Ni) prepared by a modified chemical co-precipitation method: a comparative study

The Ag/CoFe₂O₄ sample has a remarkable photovoltage response, such that the photodegradation ratio of 4-CP (90%) is higher than the other samples.

Electroadsorption desalination with carbon nanotube/PAN-based carbon fiber felt composites as electrodes

The chemical vapor deposition method is used to prepare CNT (carbon nanotube)/PCF (PAN-based carbon fiber felt) composite electrodes in this paper, with the surface morphology of CNT/PCF composites and electroadsorption desalination performance being studied. Results show such electrode materials with three-dimensional network nanostructures having a larger specific surface area and narrower micropore distribution, with a huge number of reactive groups covering the surface. Compared with PCF electrodes, CNT/PCF can allow for a higher adsorption and desorption rate but lower energy consumption; meanwhile, under the condition of the same voltage change, the CNT/PCF electrodes are provided with a better desalination effect. The study also found that the higher the original concentration of the solution, the greater the adsorption capacity and the lower the adsorption rate. At the same time, the higher the solution's pH, the better the desalting; the smaller the ions' radius, the greater the amount of adsorption.

Critical review of electrochemical advanced oxidation processes for water treatment applications

Electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) have emerged as novel water treatment technologies for the elimination of a broad-range of organic contaminants. Considerable validation of this technology has been performed at both the bench-scale and pilot-scale, which has been facilitated by the development of stable electrode materials that efficiently generate high yields of hydroxyl radicals (OH˙) (e.g., boron-doped diamond (BDD), doped-SnO2, PbO2, and substoichiometic- and doped-TiO2). Although a promising new technology, the mechanisms involved in the oxidation of organic compounds during EAOPs and the corresponding environmental impacts of their use have not been fully addressed. In order to unify the state of knowledge, identify research gaps, and stimulate new research in these areas, this review critically analyses published research pertaining to EAOPs. Specific topics covered in this review include (1) EAOP electrode types, (2) oxidation pathways of select classes of contaminants, (3) rate limitations in applied settings, and (4) long-term sustainability. Key challenges facing EAOP technologies are related to toxic byproduct formation (e.g., ClO4(-) and halogenated organic compounds) and low electro-active surface areas. These challenges must be addressed in future research in order for EAOPs to realize their full potential for water treatment.

Metal oxide-coated anodes in wastewater treatment

Electrochemical oxidation is an effective wastewater treatment method. Metal oxide-coated substrates are commonly used as anodes in this process. This article compiles the developments in the fabrication, application, and performance of metal oxide anodes in wastewater treatment. It summarizes the preparative methods and mechanism of oxidation of organics on the metal oxide anodes. The discussion is focused on the application of SnO2, PbO2, IrO2, and RuO2 metal oxide anodes and their effectiveness in wastewater treatment process.

Shift of the reactive species in the Sb-SnO2-electrocatalyzed inactivation of e. coli and degradation of phenol: effects of nickel doping and electrolytes

The electrocatalytic behavior and anodic performance of Sb-SnO2 and nickel-doped Sb-SnO2 (Ni-Sb-SnO2) in sodium sulfate and sodium chloride electrolytes were compared. Nickel-doping increased the service lifetime by a factor of 9 and decreased the charge transfer resistance of the Sb-SnO2 electrodes by 65%. More importantly, Ni doping improved the electrocatalytic performance of Sb-SnO2 for the remediation of aqueous phenol and the inactivation of E. coli by a factor of more than 600% and ∼20%, respectively. In the sulfate electrolyte, the primary reactive oxygen species (ROS) identified were OH radicals (Faradaic efficiency η = 2.4%) with trace levels of ozone and hydrogen peroxide (η < 0.01%) at Sb-SnO2. In contrast, the primary ROS at Ni-Sb-SnO2 was ozone (η = 9.3%) followed by OH radicals (η = 3.7%). In the chloride electrolyte, the production of hypochlorite (OCl(-)) was higher (η = 0.73%) than that of ozone (η = 0.13%) at Sb-SnO2, whereas the level of ozone (η = 13.6%) was much higher than that of hypochlorite (η = 0.24%) at Ni-Sb-SnO2. Based on the shift of the reactive species, the primary effect of Ni doping is to catalyze the six-electron oxidation of water to ozone and inhibit the competing one or two-electron oxidation of water (generation of OH radicals, hydrogen peroxides, and hypochlorites). A range of electrochemical and surface analyses were performed, and a detailed mechanism was proposed.

Anodic Materials for Electrocatalytic Ozone Generation

Ozone has wide applications in various fields. Electrocatalytic ozone generation technology as an alternative method to produce ozone is attractive. Anodic materials have significant effect on the ozone generation efficiency. The research progress on anodic materials for electrocatalytic ozone generation including the cell configuration and mechanism is addressed in this review. The lead dioxide and nickel-antimony-doped tin dioxide anode materials are introduced in detail, including their structure, property, and preparation. Advantages and disadvantages of different anode materials are also discussed.

Treatment of aqueous and simulated wastewater of Luganil blue N dye--a new electrochemical approach

Treatment of aqueous solution containing Luganil blue N (LBN) azo dye was performed by an electrochemical method under galvanostatic conditions using an undivided cell with platinum electrodes as working and auxiliary electrodes and standard calomel as the reference electrode. The aqueous solution of NaCl was used as the supporting electrolyte. Preliminary voltammetric studies were performed to establish the mode of degradation process. The effect of polarity of the electrode on degradation and decolouration rate was studied. The effect of the supporting electrolytes, concentration of NaCl, electrolysis time, solution pH and initial dye concentration on degradation rate were evaluated. The optimized operating conditions were used for the treatment of simulated wastewater containing LBN dye. The electrolysis process was monitored by an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer and measuring the chemical oxygen demand of the electrolysed solutions. The degradation products were identified using gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry studies, and a suitable mechanism for the LBN dye degradation was proposed.

Effect of Elemental Composition on the Structure, Electrochemical Properties, and Ozone Production Activity of Ti/SnO2-Sb-Ni Electrodes Prepared by Thermal Pyrolysis Method

Ti/SnO2-Sb-Ni electrodes with various Ni- and Sb-doping levels have been prepared by dip-coating thermal pyrolysis procedure, and their simultaneous electrochemical ozone production (EOP) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) were investigated. The effects of electrode composition on the nanostructure, morphology, electrochemical behavior, kinetic parameters, and lifetime of the electrodes were systematically studied using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, and chronopotentiometry. Dissolved ozone was produced in a quartz cell and its concentration was monitored by in situ UV spectrophotometry. The presence of small amounts of Ni (Ni : Sn atomic ratio of 0.2 : 100) gives valuable characteristics to the electrodes such as increasing EOP activity and service life. Higher Ni concentrations increase the electrode film resistance and decrease its capacitance, roughness factor, and service life, while increasing Sb level up to 12 atom% improves the electrode performance with respect to these parameters. Nevertheless, the Sb/Sn atomic ratio of more than 2% reduces the EOP current efficiency in favor of OER. The optimum composition of the electrode for EOP was determined to be Sb/Sn and Ni/Sn atomic ratios of 2% and 0.2%, respectively. The highest current efficiency was 48.3% in 0.1 M H2SO4solution at room temperature.

Electrochemical properties of the erbium-chitosan-fluorine-modified PbO2 electrode for the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol in aqueous solution

The erbium (Er)-chitosan-fluorine (F) modified PbO(2) electrode was prepared by electrodeposition method, and its use for adsorption and electrochemical degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) in aqueous solution was compared with F-PbO(2) and Er-F-PbO(2) electrodes in a batch experiment. The electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and cyclic voltammetry. Degradation of 2,4-DCP depending on Er and chitosan contents was discussed. The results showed that Er(2)O(3) and chitosan were scattered between the prevailing crystal structure of beta-PbO(2) and thus decreased the internal stress of PbO(2) film. Prior to each electrolysis, the modified PbO(2) anode was first pre-saturated with 2,4-DCP solution for 360 min to preclude the 2,4-DCP decrease due to adsorption. Among the electrodes examined in our study, the highest adsorption and electrochemical degradation for 2,4-DCP and TOC removals that are due to oxidation and adsorption of the organic products onto the chitosan was observed on Er-chitosan-F-PbO(2) electrode. At an applied current density of 5 mAcm(-2), the removal percentages of 2,4-DCP and TOC (solution volume: 180 mL, initial 2,4-DCP concentration: 90 mgL(-1)) were 95% after 120 min and 53% after 360 min, respectively. At Er amount of 10mM in the precursor coating solution, the degradation and mineralization removal for 2,4-DCP on the Er-F-PbO(2) electrode reached a maximum. At chitosan amount of 5 gL(-1), the highest TOC removal on the Er-chitosan-F-PbO(2) electrode was observed. Intermediates mainly including aliphatic carboxylic acids were examined and a possible degradation pathway for 2,4-DCP in aqueous solution involving dechlorination and hydroxylation reactions was proposed.

Study of the electrochemical oxidation and reduction of C.I. Reactive Orange 4 in sodium sulphate alkaline solutions

Synthetic solutions of hydrolysed C.I. Reactive Orange 4, a monoazo textile dye commercially named Procion Orange MX-2R (PMX2R) and colour index number C.I. 18260, was exposed to electrochemical treatment under galvanostatic conditions and Na2SO4 as electrolyte. The influence of the electrochemical process as well as the applied current density was evaluated. Ti/SnO2-Sb-Pt and stainless steel electrodes were used as anode and cathode, respectively, and the intermediates generated on the cathode during electrochemical reduction were investigated. Aliquots of the solutions treated were analysed by UV-visible and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy confirming the presence of aromatic structures in solution when an electro-reduction was carried out. Electro-oxidation degraded both the azo group and aromatic structures. HPLC measures revealed that all processes followed pseudo-first order kinetics and decolourisation rates showed a considerable dependency on the applied current density. CV experiments and XPS analyses were carried out to study the behaviour of both PMX2R and intermediates and to analyse the state of the cathode after the electrochemical reduction, respectively. It was observed the presence of a main intermediate in solution after an electrochemical reduction whose chemical structure is similar to 2-amino-1,5-naphthalenedisulphonic acid. Moreover, the analysis of the cathode surface after electrochemical reduction reveals the presence of a coating layer with organic nature.

Distribution and formation of chlorophenols and bromophenols in marine and riverine environments

To understand the distribution and formation of chlorophenols (CPs) and bromophenols (BPs), we analyzed water and sediment samples collected from the riverine areas and the marine environments near a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Korea. In the seawater, only BPs (2,4-dibromophenol and 2,4,6-tribromophenol) were detected, while CPs and BPs (4-chlorophenol, 2,6-dichlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol and 2,4,6-tribromophenol) were detected in the riverine water. 2,4-DBP (0.531-32.7 ng/L) in the seawater was detected in sites near the NPP and 2,4,6-TBP (0.378-20.2 ng/L) was found in most of the seawater. In the riverine water, the sample near the industrial complex (118 ng/L) showed a greater total concentration than others (0.510-7.64 ng/L). In the marine sediments, BPs (99.0-553 ng/g dry weight) showed higher concentrations than CPs (0.145-16.1 ng/g dry weight). The BPs levels (1.01-8.55 ng/g dry weight) in the riverine sediments were much lower (10-500 times) than those in the marine sediments. The distribution patterns of CPs and BPs between the marine and riverine environments differed, with relatively high levels of BPs appearing in the marine environments due to natural formation except for anthropogenic sources. The chlorination process of the NPP also seems to form BPs (2-bromophenol, 2,4-dibromophenol and 2,4,6-tribromophenol). However, the effluents had an influence on the seawater near the NPP (about 2 km). In the riverine environments, CPs were dominant, which are related to the industrial complex. Thus, CPs and BPs in the marine and riverine environments are generated via various routes such as anthropogenic formation and biosynthesis.

Influence of electrochemical reduction and oxidation processes on the decolourisation and degradation of C.I. Reactive Orange 4 solutions

The electrochemical treatment of wastewaters from textile industry is a promising treatment technique for substances which are resistant to biodegradation. This paper presents the results of the electrochemical decolourisation and degradation of C.I. Reactive Orange 4 synthetic solutions (commercially known as Procion Orange MX2R). Electrolyses were carried out under galvanostatic conditions in a divided or undivided electrolytic cell. Therefore, oxidation, reduction or oxido-reduction experiences were tested. Ti/SnO(2)-Sb-Pt and stainless steel electrodes were used as anode and cathode, respectively. Degradation of the dye was followed by TOC, total nitrogen, COD and BOD(5) analyses. TOC removal after an oxidation process was higher than after oxido-reduction while COD removal after this last process was about 90%. Besides, the biodegradability of final samples after oxido-reduction process was studied and an improvement was observed. UV-Visible spectra revealed the presence of aromatic structures in solution when an electro-reduction was carried out while oxido-reduction process degraded both azo group and aromatic structures. HPLC analyses indicated the presence of a main intermediate after the reduction process with a chemical structure closely similar to 2-amine-1, 5-naphthalenedisulfonic acid. The lowest decolourisation rate corresponded to electrochemical oxidation. In these experiences a higher number of intermediates were generated as HPLC analysis demonstrated. The decolourisation process for the three electrochemical processes studied presented a pseudo-first order kinetics.

Electrochemical degradation of refractory pollutant using a novel microstructured TiO2 nanotubes/ Sb-doped SnO2 electrode

A novel Sb-doped SnO2 electrode featuring high oxygen evolution potential, excellent electrocatalytic performance, and long stabilitytoward electrochemical degradation of refractory organic pollutants was constructed by designing and regenerating the microstructure of the Ti substrate. Highly ordered TiO2 nanotubes (TiO2-NTs) with three-dimensional microstructure, large specific surface area and space utilization rate could be grown in situ on Ti substrate under controlled conditions, followed by being implanted with Sb-doped SnO2 through a surfactant-assisted, sol-gel method under vacuum environment. The amount of Sb-doped SnO2 and service lifetime for the constructed electrode (TiO2-NTs/SnO2) were 2.4 and 12 times as much asthose for a traditional Sb-doped SnO2 (SnO2) electrode. Moreover, the constructed electrode performed at higher oxygen evolution potential and exhibited superior electrochemical capability to that on SnO2 electrode. Compared with low TOC removal by the SnO2 electrode, the TiO2-NTs/SnO2 electrode could completely mineralize benzoic acid (BA) under the same condition. The mineralization current efficiency and the first-order kinetic constant for BA degradation at the TiO2-NTs/SnO2 electrode were 1 and 3.5 times greater than those observed for the SnO2 electrode.

Effect of Sb dopant amount on the structure and electrocatalytic capability of Ti/Sb-SnO2 electrodes in the oxidation of 4-chlorophenol

Ti/Sb-SnO2 anodes were prepared by thermal decomposition to examine the influence of the amount of Sb dopant on the structure and electrocatalytic capability of the electrodes in the oxidation of 4-chlorophenol. The physicochemical properties of the Sb-SnO2 coating were markedly influenced by different amounts of Sb dopant. The electrodes, which contained 5% Sb dopant in the coating, presented a much more homogenous surface and much smaller mud-cracks, compared with Ti/Sb-SnO2 electrodes containing 10% or 15% Sb dopant, which exibited larger mud cracks and pores on the surface. However, the main microstructure remained unchanged with the addition of the Sb dopant. No new crystal phase was observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical oxidation of 4-chlorophenol on the Ti/SnO2 electrode with 5% Sb dopant was inclined to electrochemical combustion; while for those containing more Sb dopant, intermediate species were accumulated. The electrodes with 5% Sb dopant showed the highest efficiency in the bulk electrolysis of 4-chlorophenol at a current density of 20 mA/cm2 for 180 min; and the removal rates of 4-chlorophenol and COD were 51.0% and 48.9%, respectively.