Preparation of high performance superhydrophobic PVDF-PbO2-ZrO2 composite electrode and its application in the degradation of paracetamol and industrial oily wastewater

Abstract

• Super hydrophobic PVDF-PbO2-ZrO2 composite electrode was prepared by electrode position. • The degradation of paracetamol (APAP) by PVDF-PbO 2 -ZrO 2 composite electrode was studied, the optimum degradation conditions were discussed, and the possible degradation pathway of APAP was proposed combined with GC-MS. • Taking an industrial oily wastewater as an example, the practical application of the electrode is evaluated. Superhydrophobic PVDF-PbO 2 -ZrO 2 composite electrode was prepared by electrodeposition of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and zirconia (ZrO 2 ). The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDS and water contact angle. The electrocatalytic degradation of paracetamol (APAP) by electrode was studied, the removal rate of APAP by electrode was 98.24% after 100 min, in addition, the degradation pathways include carboxylation of phenolic hydroxyl, C N bond breaking and benzene ring opening, then further oxidation to produce linear hydroxypropionic acid, and finally into CO 2 and H 2 O. Moreover, after 120 min degradation, the COD removal rate of the industrial oily wastewater reaches 83.33%. The oil content of the wastewater reduced from 148 to 4 ppm, which proves that the material possesses good practical application.