Catalytically assisted electrochemical oxidation of dye Acid Red B

This study focused on the degradation of dye Acid Red B in a catalytic electrolysis system with a semiconductor suspended in the electric field. The study showed that the addition of titanium dioxide substantially enhances the degradation of dye and that a semiconductor catalyst can improve electrolysis efficiency. This catalytic system has great potential to be applied commercially with the development of the catalyst. Analytical measurements show that some acidic compounds are produced in the treatment process and that biodegradability of the solution increases after electrolysis because of the breakdown of molecules. The UV-visible spectrum also indicates that the conjugated bonds of dye Acid Red B must be destroyed and that the molecules are broken into small ones. Furthermore, the results from the IR spectrum indicate that the nitrogen-nitrogen double bond of dye Acid Red B must be oxidized to nitrate. Electrochemical measurements show an apparent dye oxidation peak from 0.65 to 0.85 V (versus the saturated calomel electrode) in dye solution (10 g/L), confirming that dye is oxidized in this catalytic system.