Anode-Cathode Synergistic Filter Activating Peroxymonosulfate at Multiple Active Sites for Highly Efficient and...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Developing efficient peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation systems is crucial for effective wastewater treatment, addressing limitations like low capacity, poor mineralization, and high energy use.
• Existing methods often struggle with efficiency and broad applicability across different water types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a novel dual-electrode system for enhanced PMS activation.
• To investigate the co-activation mechanism of PMS by modified LaCoO3-Ti4O7 anodes and nanocarbon-modified carbon felt cathodes.
• To assess the system's efficiency in pollutant removal, mineralization, and energy consumption for diverse wastewater types.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an oxygen vacancy-mediated LaCoO3-modified Ti4O7 (LCVTO) anode and in situ grown nanocarbon-modified carbon felt (C/CF) cathode.
• Utilizing the dual-electrode system for PMS activation to degrade sulfamethoxazole (SMX).
• Employing in situ electrochemical infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to elucidate the reaction mechanism and active sites.

Main Results:

• Achieved 100% sulfamethoxazole (SMX) elimination in 37.3 seconds with a significantly enhanced rate constant (15.84 min⁻¹).
• Demonstrated a substantial reduction in energy consumption (7.9% and 4.6% of individual electrode processes) and high pollutant removal flux (1061 L/m²·h).
• Identified multiple active sites (Co, Vo, and nanocarbon) contributing to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) like •OH, SO4•-, and ¹O2, with nanocarbon enhancing ¹O2 production.

Conclusions:

• The LCVTO/C-CF dual-electrode system effectively co-activates PMS for rapid and efficient pollutant degradation.
• The system exhibits excellent pH adaptability (4-14), reusability, and continuous operation capabilities, making it resilient to wastewater matrix interference.
• This advanced oxidation process offers a promising, energy-efficient, and economical solution for treating various industrial and municipal wastewaters.