Uncovering results in electro-scrubbing process toward green methodology during environmental air pollutants removal

Abstract

Present findings uncovered the electro-scrubbing process as a green methodology. This green methodology was assessed by an analysis of electrode dissolution into an electrolyte and acid fumes emission to the atmosphere. As an initial experiment oxidation effect of Co(II) by PbO2 electrode revealed an enhanced oxidation efficiency of ∼20% compared to a Pt-coated Ti electrode. The mist concentration from the first scrubber test was approximately 30 times lower than that of the indoor air particles. In addition, molar mass of Co(II) and SEM analyses revealed no Co(II) or PbO2 from the first scrubber. An analysis of the second scrubber showed no Co(II), PbO2 or pH changes during a 24h study confirming that no sulphuric acid escaped from the first scrubber or mediator containing electrolyte solution. This electro-scrubbing process was applied to the air pollutants removal process, in which a definite ratio between Co(III) and odor gases at given concentrations were identified. These results show that this electro-scrubber can maintain its initial concentration of Co(II) and H2SO4 by just adding water, and is become a highly sustainable and green methodology system without a loss of H2SO4 and Co catalysts to the environment.