An analytical study of the electrochemical degradation of methyl orange using a novel polymer disk electrode

Abstract

This study presents the degradation of methyl orange in a synthetic solution using an electro-oxidation technique. A novel polymer disk electrode was fabricated in this work using injection molding. Such an electrode is low cost, mass produced, and efficient to achieve a complete decolorization of methyl orange in the synthetic solution. The performance of the electrode was studied comprehensively. The degradation of methyl orange was accomplished in only 800s. at optimum operating conditions of 0.1M KCl electrolyte solution and constant applied current of 5mA. The results revealed that the degradation of dye follows an indirect electro oxidation mechanism. It was also found that stirring is a crucial requirement to improve the mass transfer and to enhance the decolorization rate. The effect of changing the applied current, supporting electrolyte, electrolyte concentration, and initial dye concentration were also investigated.