Anodic Degradation of Toxic Aromatic Compound in the Flow Through Cell with Carbon Fiber Electrode

Abstract

The anodic degradation of aqueous phenol and 2-chlorophenol, which are model organic pollutants, has been studied using a flow-through electrochemical cell (FTEC) with carbon fibers as an anode material. For a controlled current electrolysis of an aqueous solution of 2-chlorophenol and phenol, experimental variables, including such as, the current input, the reaction time, and the flow rate of the solutions were considered. The degradation products of the oxidation reactions were identified with HPLC, GC/MS. Small aliphatic acids and CO2 were the main products. Depending on the values of the applied current and reaction time, a complete degradation or the partial oxidation of the compounds to other intermediates was obtained. At the flow rates of 2-6 mL/s were effective on the degradation efficiencies of the 2-chlorophenol and phenol.