Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Processes Enabled By Novel Electrode Materials

Abstract

Electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) have emerged as promising water treatment technologies for the elimination of a broad-range of organic contaminants and inactivation of pathogens. Progress has been facilitated by the development of stable, novel electrode materials that efficiently generate high yields of hydroxyl radicals. However, key challenges still remain, including toxic byproduct formation, low electro-active surface area, and costly electrode materials. In this talk I will discuss our ongoing research efforts aimed at advancing EAOPs, which includes the synthesis of selective electrodes for the minimization of byproduct formation and development of inexpensive, high surface area, porous electrodes for enhanced electrochemical activity. A combination of electrochemical reactivity experiments, electrochemical characterization, and density functional theory modeling was used to develop a mechanistic understanding of the interactions of contaminants with these novel electrode materials. Results from this work are being used to develop more efficient and compact treatment technologies, including ‘self cleaning’ membranes and multi-functional point-of-use water treatment devices.