Preparation of biochar-loaded nano zero-valent iron electrode material and its electrocatalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol

Abstract

<p>Electrochemical treatment of wastewater containing p-nitrophenol (PNP) was carried out using a platinum electrode as an anode and biochar-loaded nano zero-valent iron material as the cathode. The prepared biochar loaded nano zero valent iron electrode materials were characterized and analyzed using SEM, XRD, and XPS. The experiment investigated the effects of current density, initial PNP concentration, electrolyte concentration, pH value, and other factors on the treatment effect of PNP. The results showed that the nZVI/BC electrode with an initial pH value of 7.0, a current density of 10mA/cm2, and an electrolyte of 1.5g/L anhydrous sodium sulfate was the optimal condition for degrading a PNP solution with an initial concentration of 20 mg/L. The PNP removal rate within 24 hours was 81.94%.BC@nZVI electrode has good stability and reusability.</p>