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Energy-Efficient Electrocoagulation Under Pulsed Voltage: Toward Sustainable Phosphate Capture and Water Circularity
Hannah Xu En Lim1, Shu Pei Ng1, Min Qian1
1Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
Chemistry, an Asian Journal
|August 10, 2026
Summary
Electrocoagulation using a pulsed direct voltage (PDV) waveform and dissimilar electrodes significantly enhances phosphate removal efficiency. This optimized method offers a more energy-efficient and scalable solution for wastewater treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Electrochemistry
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Electrocoagulation (EC) is an electrochemical process for contaminant removal using in situ generated coagulants.
- Phosphate contamination in water bodies leads to eutrophication, necessitating effective removal strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of electrode pairing, waveform, and pulse frequency on phosphate removal via electrocoagulation.
- To identify optimal EC parameters for enhanced phosphate removal efficiency and energy consumption.
Main Methods:
- Tested different electrode pairings (SS-304 anode with SS-304 or Al6061 cathode).
- Compared various waveforms: direct current (DC), pulsed direct current (PDC), and pulsed direct voltage (PDV).
- Evaluated pulse frequencies (1, 5, and 10 Hz) for the PDV waveform.
Main Results:
- The hybrid SS(A)-Al(C) electrode configuration achieved 69.9% phosphate removal in 20 min, outperforming SS(A)-SS(C).
- Pulsed direct voltage (PDV) outperformed DC and PDC waveforms, with 5 Hz PDV showing optimal performance.
- PDV mode achieved 99.9% phosphate removal in 120 min with high energy efficiency (186.5-208.7 g PO43-/kWh) and Faradaic efficiency (>74%).
Conclusions:
- A 5 Hz PDV waveform combined with a dissimilar SS(A)-Al(C) electrode configuration provides an energy-efficient and scalable method for rapid phosphate removal.
- Optimized electrocoagulation parameters mitigate anode passivation and improve overall treatment efficiency.
- This approach contributes to sustainable water management and water circularity.
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