| Metadata | Details |
|---|
| Publication Date | 2025-03-22 |
| Journal | Processes |
| Authors | Ever Peralta-Reyes, Alejandro Regalado-MĂ©ndez, Frida A. Robles, Carlos MĂ©ndez-Durazno, Patricio J. Espinoza-Montero |
| Institutions | Pontificia Universidad CatĂłlica del Ecuador, Universidad del Mar |
| Analysis | Full AI Review Included |
- Core Achievement: Successful modeling and optimization of p-Benzoquinone (p-BQ) degradation using a flow-by electrochemical reactor equipped with Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) electrodes acting as both anode and cathode.
- Optimal Performance: A maximum experimental removal efficiency (η) of 97.32% was achieved for a 2.5 L solution after 5 hours of electrolysis.
- Optimized Parameters: The optimal operating conditions were determined using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to be an initial pH (pH0) of 6.52 and an applied current density (j) of 0.124 A/cm2.
- Kinetic Model: The degradation process followed pseudo-first-order kinetics (kapp = 0.966 1/h, R2 = 0.9737), indicating mass transfer control, typical for BDD-based Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs).
- Economic Viability: The total operating cost was estimated at USD 3.07/L, with a specific energy consumption (SEC) of 127.854 kWh/m3 at maximum removal, highlighting the methodâs potential for scalability and compatibility with renewable energy sources.
- BDD Advantage: The use of BDD electrodes (BDD/BDD configuration) ensures high corrosion resistance and efficient generation of weakly adsorbed hydroxyl radicals (âąOH), facilitating rapid and non-selective mineralization of recalcitrant contaminants.
| Parameter | Value | Unit | Context |
|---|
| Electrode Material | BDD on Niobium (Nb) | N/A | Anode and Cathode |
| Electrode Area (Each) | 32 | cm2 | Geometric area |
| BDD Film Thickness | 5 | ”m | Material specification |
| Initial p-BQ Concentration ([C]0) | 1 x 10-3 | M | Aqueous solution |
| Supporting Electrolyte | 0.15 M Na2SO4 | M | Used for conductivity |
| Total Volume Treated (Vt) | 2.5 | L | Batch recirculation mode |
| Optimal Initial pH (pH0) | 6.52 | Dimensionless | Optimized factor |
| Optimal Current Density (j) | 0.124 | A/cm2 | Optimized factor |
| Electrolysis Time (t) | 5 | h | Time to reach 97.32% removal |
| Maximum Removal Efficiency (η) | 97.32 | % | Experimental result |
| Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) | 127.854 | kWh/m3 | At 97.32% removal |
| Total Operating Cost (OC) | 3.07 | USD/L | Includes energy and electrolyte cost |
| Apparent Kinetic Constant (kapp) | 0.966 | 1/h | Pseudo-first-order model |
| Model Fit (R2) | 0.9737 | N/A | Kinetic model correlation |
| Model Adequacy Precision | 14.516 | N/A | Signal-to-noise ratio (>4 is desirable) |
- Solution Preparation: A 2.5 L aqueous solution of 1 x 10-3 M p-BQ was prepared using 0.15 M Na2SO4 as the supporting electrolyte. pH adjustment (ranging from 2.71 to 7.83) was performed using 2 M NaOH or H2SO4 solutions according to the experimental design matrix.
- Reactor Setup: Experiments were conducted in a flow-by electrochemical reactor (FM01-LC) operating in batch recirculation mode. The reactor was equipped with two BDD electrodes (32 cm2 area, 5 ”m thickness on Nb support) serving simultaneously as the anode and cathode.
- Experimental Design and Optimization: A Face-Centered Central Composite Design (CCD) within Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to model and optimize the process. Initial pH (pH0) and applied current density (j) were selected as independent variables.
- Electrolysis and Energization: Electrode energization was supplied by a GW Instek GPR-351OHD power supply. The optimal conditions (pH0 6.52, j 0.124 A/cm2) were run for 5 hours.
- Analytical Procedures: p-BQ degradation efficiency (η) was monitored by measuring the absorbance (A) of samples at 246 nm using a Perkin Elmer Lambda 365 UV-Vis spectrophotometer.
- Cost and Kinetic Analysis: The total operating cost (OC) and specific energy consumption (SEC) were calculated based on energy usage (electrodes, flow pump, heat exchanger pump) and electrolyte cost. Kinetic analysis confirmed pseudo-first-order degradation, indicating mass transfer control.
The use of BDD electrodes in electrochemical reactors, as demonstrated in this study, is highly relevant for industrial applications requiring robust and efficient contaminant destruction.
| Industry/Sector | Application | BDD Material Advantage |
|---|
| Wastewater Treatment | Mineralization of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) like p-BQ, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. | Wide potential window and high corrosion resistance allow for efficient generation of powerful âąOH radicals, leading to complete mineralization (CO2 and H2O). |
| Chemical Manufacturing | Treatment of highly toxic or recalcitrant process streams and concentrated industrial effluents. | High durability and stability in strongly acidic or corrosive environments, ensuring long-term cycling without electrode degradation (unlike PbO2 or Pt). |
| Water Reuse & Recycling | Tertiary treatment of municipal or industrial effluent to meet stringent discharge or reuse quality standards. | Low background current and non-selective oxidation capability ensure effective removal of trace organic pollutants that bypass conventional biological treatment. |
| Electrochemical Synthesis | Production of high-value oxidants (e.g., H2O2, persulfate) or electrochemical conversion processes. | sp3-hybridized orbital structure minimizes adsorption of intermediates, promoting desired electrochemical reactions on the surface. |
| Environmental Remediation | Soil and groundwater remediation via electrochemical methods. | Compatibility with renewable energy sources (e.g., solar panels) due to relatively low energy consumption compared to other AOPs, making remote deployment feasible. |
View Original Abstract
The electro-oxidation of p-Benzoquinone (p-BQ) was investigated in a flow-by reactor (FM01-LC) without separation, with two boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes as both the anode and cathode, in batch recirculation mode. The optimal operating conditions were determined using response surface methodology, specifically a face-centered central composite design. The initial pH (pHâ) and applied current density (j) were evaluated as factors, while the p-BQ (η (%)) served as the response variable. The optimal conditions, a pH0 of 6.52 and a j of 0.124 A/cm2, achieved a maximum removal efficiency of 97.32% after 5 h of electrolysis. The specific energy consumption and total operating cost were 127.854 kWh/m3 and USD 3.7 USD/L, respectively.
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