Evaluation of Anodic Oxidation for Wastewater Treatment Using Biochar Electrode from Sugarcane Residue
At a Glance
Section titled âAt a Glanceâ| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2025-07-11 |
| Journal | ECS Meeting Abstracts |
| Authors | S. Marco MonzĂłn, IvĂĄn Lozano, Pabel CervantesâAvilĂ©s, Edgardo I. Valenzuela |
Abstract
Section titled âAbstractâThe increasing demand for effective wastewater treatment methods has driven interest in sustainable and cost-efficient technologies. Wastewater treatment using electrochemical processes has gained significant attention due to its efficiency and environmental benefits. However, current methods often rely on electrodes such as Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes (BDD), which, despite their excellent degradation capacity, represent an economic limitation for its application. Therefore, identifying alternatives that balance degradation efficiency with economic feasibility is crucial for advancing anodic oxidation technologies. In this study, we investigated the viability of anodic oxidation in synthetic wastewater, using dextrose to represent organic matter, and using biochar electrodes derived from sugarcane residue as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. Sugarcane bagasse is a permanent residue from the sugar production industry that is not fully utilized. Biochar electrodes were fabricated via pyrolysis, characterized using electrochemical techniques, as cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The experimental process was divided into two major stages: biochar production and electrode fabrication. Both stages were standardized to minimize experimental variability. The first stage focused on biochar production through hydrothermal pyrolysis, and characterized by FTIR analysis. A 100 mL hydrothermal reactor was used inside a muffle furnace, with variations in temperature (160-200°C), duration (6-36 hours), and pyrolysis medium (distilled water or sulfuric acid) to assess the impact of these parameters on biochar properties. The second stage involved the fabrication and testing of the electrode. The biochar-based electrode was formed into a solid mass comprising biochar, graphite, and PTFE, spread onto a stainless steel mesh for rigidity, and incorporated with nickel oxide to enhance catalytic performance. Electrode performance was tested in two steps. First, the electrode was activated by applying current in a KOH medium at varying molar concentrations for 0.1 to 3 Molar. Cyclic voltammetry was then used to characterize the electrodes and identify oxidation regions. The second step was degradation experiments under a fixed potential according to the results from the electrochemical characterization. Standardized setups, including 3D-printed pieces, were used to ensure consistent distance, volume, and working area, with variations in time and dextrose concentration to evaluate performance with COD and TOC analysis. Preliminary results indicate promising electrochemical activity, with measurable current responses observed during cyclic voltammetry in 1M KOH media and an electrochemical response in presence of dextrose. However, the degradation efficiency of organic contaminants under operating conditions has not yet been fully optimized. Current efforts are focused on improving electrode stability and assessing performance across a range of organic contaminant concentrations. This research highlights the potential of agricultural waste-derived materials to advance wastewater treatment technologies, offering a sustainable and economically viable alternative for anodic oxidation for wastewater treatment. The approach emphasizes leveraging readily available biomass waste, such as sugarcane, to create functional and low-cost electrodes that align with global sustainability goals. Further studies aim to enhance the structural integrity and conductivity of biochar electrodes while refining operational parameters for optimal pollutant degradation efficiency.