Anodic oxidation of organic pollutants on a Ti/SnO2–Sb2O4 anode

• DOI: 10.1007/s10800-011-0266-3
• Publication Date: 2011-02-26T17:51:36Z
• Authors: L. Ciríaco; D. Santos; M. J. Pacheco; A. Lopes
• Keywords: Hydroquinone

A Ti/SnO2–Sb2O4 electrode was prepared by alternate Sn and Sb electrodepositions using the thermo-electrochemical method. The chemical, electrochemical, and structural characterization of the electrode was performed and it was tested in the anodic oxidation of several pollutants, phenol, ibuprofen, acid orange 7 (AO7), and diclofenac, all in aqueous 0.035 M Na2SO4 solutions at current densities of 10 and 20 mA cm−2. After the 24 h assay, removal of chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon (TOC) and absorbance were very high, especially at the higher current density. TOC removals presented the lowest value. However, after 24 h at 20 mA cm−2, TOC removals were: phenol—94%; ibuprofen—83%; AO7—88%; and diclofenac—73%. Combustion efficiency and instantaneous and mineralization current efficiencies were also determined.