Three-dimensional electrochemical Fenton degradation of CIP by doping Ce and Cu in Jacaranda shell base as particle electrodes

Abstract

Currently, ciprofloxacin (CIP) in water environments has attracted wide attention. In order to degrade CIP by electrocatalysis, it is very important to develop catalysts with high catalytic activity as particle electrodes. In this study, Jacaranda shell was made into biochar (BC) by calcination, Ce and Cu modified BC (Ce-Cu/BC) was prepared by a simple impregnation and calcination method as a particle electrode in a three-dimensional electro-Fenton (3D/EF) system to degrade CIP. Characterization of the Ce-Cu/BC particle electrodes was conducted using SEM, XRD, and XPS, revealing the porous structure of the calcined jacaranda shell base, confirming successful loading of Ce and Cu. Optimal operating conditions for CIP removal were determined to be 4 g/100 mL particle electrodes dosage, initial pH of 5, 8 V voltage, and 2 mM Fe2+ concentration, resulting in a maximum CIP removal rate of 84.97% with an energy consumption of 1.32 W•h. Stability tests demonstrated the robustness of Ce-Cu/BC, while comparative tests and radical extinction experiments highlighted the high electrocatalytic activity of the 3D/EF system, primarily attributed to the indirect oxidation of •OH, an active substance generated within the system LC-MS and UV full-band scanning analyses were employed to propose potential CIP degradation pathways.