Electrochemical reduction of CO2 and degradation of KHP on boron-doped diamond electrodes in a simultaneous and enhanced process

Abstract

In this research a novel electrochemical system using dual boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes as the anode and cathode, for the first time, has been developed for CO2 conversion and wastewater treatment in a synergetic and simultaneous process. On the BDD cathode CO2 is converted into formaldehyde while in the anodic side organic wastes are decomposed on the BDD anode. Interestingly, when potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) was used as the organic model to be degraded in the anodic side, a higher efficiency of formaldehyde generation from CO2 was observed on the BDD cathode. The enhanced effect of formaldehyde formation in the presence of KHP oxidation suggests that this novel electrochemical system can combine conversion of CO2 to the form of high-value chemicals and wastewater purification in a simultaneous and harmonious process.