This work reported the electrochemical and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of a new photoelectrode based on hematite Co-Fe2O3@NiO, a photoactive semiconductor, was prepared using a process involving a combination of the co-precipitation and microwave-assisted synthesis of Fe2O3, Co-Fe2O3 and Co-Fe2O3@NiO, respectively. The obtained products were characterized by X-Ray powder Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–vis) analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the sample determined the crystal structure of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The SEM image shows spherical nanoparticles. FTIR spectrospy spectrum confirmed the phase purity and chemical bond for the sample. Optical studies show a variation of band gap from 2.118 to 2.07 eV. The electrochemical and photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of the films were examined by cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The electrochemical oxidation of water achieved by Cobalt-doped Fe2O3@ GCE modified electrode exhibited the current density of 21 mA/g at 0.5 V vs. SCE for 5 at% of Co and reveals enhanced specific capacitance of 352.11 F/g. The catalytic performance of urea oxidation was measured by cyclic voltammetry on Co-Fe2O3@NiO nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in alkaline medium. The electrode Co-Fe2O3@NiO without annealing showed a peak current density of 1.59 mA/cm2 at 0.1 M urea in 1.0 M NaOH, which was 3.6 fold higher than that of Co-Fe2O3@NiO with annealing. In another part, this work reported the photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of photoanode prepared by spin coating. The highest photocurrent 0.042 mA/cm2 at 0.5 V Vs SCE was obtained for 5% Co-Fe2O3@NiO while the photocatalytic oxidation of urea.

Volatile organic compounds(VOCs) are toxic carcinogenic compounds found in wastewater. VOCs require rapid removal because they are easily volatilized during wastewater treatment. Electrochemical advanced oxidation processes(EAOPs) are considered efficient for VOC removal, based on their fast and versatile anodic electrochemical oxidation of pollutants. Many studies have reported the efficiency of removal of various types of pollutants using different anodes, but few studies have examined volatilization of VOCs during EAOPs. This study examined the removal efficiency for VOCs (chloroform, benzene, trichloroethylene and toluene) by oxidization and volatilization under a static stirred, aerated condition and an EAOP to compare the volatility of each compound. The removal efficiency of the optimum anode was determined by comparing the smallest volatilization ratio and the largest oxidization ratio for four different dimensionally stable anodes(DSA): Pt/Ti, IrO2/Ti, IrO2/Ti, and IrO2-Ru-Pd/Ti. EAOP was operated under same current density (25 mA/cm2) and electrolyte concentration (0.05 M, as NaCl). The high volatility of the VOCs resulted in removal of more than 90% within 30 min under aerated conditions. For EAOP, the IrO2-Ru/Ti anode exhibited the highest VOC removal efficiency, at over 98% in 1 h, and the lowest VOC volatilization (less than 5%). Chloroform was the most recalcitrant VOC due to its high volatility and chemical stability, but it was oxidized 99.2% by IrO2-Ru/Ti, 90.2% by IrO2-Ru-Pd/Ti, 78% by IrO2/Ti, and 75.4% by Pt/Ti anodes The oxidation and volatilization ratios of the VOCs indicate that the IrO2-Ru/Ti anode has superior electrochemical properties for VOC treatment due to its rapid oxidation process and its prevention of bubbling and volatilization of VOCs.

With increasing concerns of organic micropollutants, which are not removed by conventional wastewater treatment process, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are recently introduced. Among AOPs, electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) have advantages of simple operation and reasonable costs for construction and maintenance. However, low diffusion rate of pollutants from solution to electrode is regarded as a limitation. In this study, hollow fiber type of carbon nanotube (CHF) was fabricated and operated with flow through system to enhance mass transfer rate. The removal efficiency of BPA was achieved in following order: flow through, cross-flow, and batch methods. In addition, rate of removal in flow through system was significantly enhanced, comparing that of cross-flow operation.

This manuscript explains the effective determination of urea by redox cyclic voltammetric analysis, for which a modified polypyrrole-graphene oxide (PPY-GO, GO 20% w/w of PPY) nanocomposite electrode was developed. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed an effective electron transfer in 0.1 M KOH electrolytic solution in the potential window range of 0 to 0.6 V. This PPY-GO modified electrode exhibited a moderate electrocatalytic effect towards urea oxidation, thereby allowing its determination in an electrolytic solution. The linear dependence of the current vs. urea concentration was reached using square-wave voltammetry in the concentration range of urea between 0.5 to 3.0 μM with a relatively low limit of detection of 0.27 μM. The scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the morphologies and properties of the nanocomposite layer, along with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that the nanocomposite film modified electrode exhibited a synergistic effect, including high conductivity, a fast electron-transfer rate, and an inherent catalytic ability.

Membrane based water and wastewater treatment becomes more and more popular; however, membrane fouling is still a critical obstacle for its extensive use. Most of the membranes being used are polymeric and have limitations in physical, chemical, and thermal stability, even though various novel materials were introduced. In this study, metal membranes were fabricated to solve those weak points of polymeric membranes. We evaluated the physical properties of a metal membrane, such as pore size distribution, surface morphology, and water flux, and finally used the membrane for electrochemical oxidation of municipal wastewater with simultaneous hydrogen fuel generation. The metal membrane removed 50-70% of the feed organic matter by electrochemical oxidation; 10-30 % removal by electrochemical oxidation plus 40% by membrane rejection.

In this work, we studied the effects of electrochemical oxidation treatments of carbon fibers (CFs) on interfacial adhesion between CF and epoxy resin with various current densities. The surface morphologies and properties of the CFs before and after electrochemical-oxidation-treatment were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and single-fiber contact angle. The mechanical interfacial shear strength of the CFs/epoxy matrix composites was investigated by using a micro-bond method. From the results, electrochemical oxidation treatment introduced oxygen functional groups and increased roughness on the fiber surface. The mechanical interfacial adhesion strength also showed higher values than that of an untreated CF-reinforced composite.

Electrochemical promotion of the reaction rate was investigated for CO oxidation in a solid electrolyte catalytic reactor where a thin film of Pt was deposited on the yttria stabilized zirconia as an electrode as well as a catalyst. It was shown under open circuit condition that potential was a mixed potential of O2exchange reaction and electrochemical reaction induced by CO. The effect of electrochemical modification on the CO oxidation rate was studied at various overpotentials and PCOPO2.

반도성 세라믹 광촉매 막 반응기(membrane reactor)에 의한 난분해성 유독 유기물질의 효율적인 분해공정을 개발하기 위한 기초 연구로서 TiO2 광촉매 막의 전기화학 반응에 의한 개미산(formic acid)의 산화/분해 효율성에 대해 연구하였다. 막 반응기는 용액의 여과(filtration)와 광전기화학 반응에 의한 유기물의 광분해를 동시에 수행할 수 있도록 제작되었다. 복합막의 담체임과 동시에 전극의 역할을 할 수 있는 전기 전도성 SnO2 또는 stainless steel 다공성 튜브상에 pH가 1.45인 TiO2 졸을 졸-겔 침지 코팅하여 광촉매 복합막을 제조하였으며 광원으로는 365 nm 파장을 갖는 UV를 사용하였다. TiO2 광촉매 막의 전기화학 반응에 의한 개미산의 산화효율은 전극에 걸어주는 전압과 반응시간에 따라 증가하였으나 투과량(flux)에는 거의 무관하였다. TiO2/SnO2 복합막을 사용한 경우 외부 전압을 27V 걸어주었을때 77% 정도의 산화효율을 얻을 수 있었으며 TiO2 /stainless steel 복합막에서는 90% 이상이었다. 광촉매 전기화학 반응을 이용함으로써 높은 투과량하에서도 개미산의 산화효율을 단순한 TiO2 광촉매 반응에서 보다 6~7배 가량 증진시킬 수 있었다.

The salt water generated from the salting process of kimchi production is difficult to treat biologically due to very high content of salt. When salt water is treated and discharged, it cannot satisfy the criteria for effluent water quality in clean areas, while resources such as the salt to be recycled and the industrial water are wasted. Therefore, in order to recycle salt water and improve the economy of kimchi production process, a basic study was conducted on the treatment using electrochemical oxidation of organic acids and organic matters existing in large volumes of salt water. The electrochemical treatment of organic matters has advantages over conventional methods such as active carbon absorption process, chemical oxidation, and biological treatment because the response speed is faster and it does not require expensive, harmful oxidizing agents. In this study, the electrochemical oxidation characteristics according to current density and pH were evaluated with acetic, lactic, and formic acids existing in large volumes of salt water. Acetic acid was refractory to electrochemical oxidation regardless of current density, while lactic acid showed high removal efficiency even at low amount of current. Furthermore, formic acid showed the highest current efficiency for the first 20 minutes and its removal rate increased together with the amount of current. In the experiments with the initial pH set to 4, 7, and 10, the removal rate of organic acids tended to be higher at lower pH values. Because NaCl was used as the electrolyte, HOCl was produced at pH 4 and OCl− increased at pH7. The germicidal power of HOCl is about 40-80 times higher than that of OCl−. For this reason, the generation of HOCl with excellent oxidizing power increased at pH 4 and the highest removal rate was achieved. Furthermore, as salt water contains various organic matters, an experiment on organic acid compounds was conducted to see the effects they have on electrochemical oxidation. As a result, it was found that lactic acid and formic acid could be used for simultaneous treatment even when they coexisted, whereas acetic acid is refractory to electrochemical oxidation. Furthermore, lactic acid showed the highest electrochemical treatment efficiency, followed by formic acid, and acetic acid.

The purpose of this study is to investigate electro-generation of free Cl, ClO2, H2O2 and O3 and degradation of Rhodamine B in solution using Ru-Sn-Sb electrode. Electrolysis was performed in one-compartment reactor using a dimensionally stable anode(DSA) of Ru-Sn-Sb/Ti as the working electrode. The effect of applied current (0.5-3 A), electrolyte type (NaCl, KCl, HCl, Na2SO4 and H2SO4) and concentration (0.5-2.5 g/L), air flow rate (0-3 L/min) and solution pH (3-11) was evaluated. Experimental results showed that concentration of 4 oxidants was increased with increase of applied current, however optimum current for RhB degradation was 2 A. The generated oxidant concentration and RhB degradation of the of Cl type-electrolyte was higher than that of the sulfate type. The oxidant concentration was increased with increase of NaCl concentration and optimum NaCl dosage for RhB degradation was 1.75 g/L. Optimum air flow rate for the oxidants generation and RhB degradation was 2 L/min. ClO2 and H2O2 generation was decreased with the increase of pH, whereas free Cl and O3 was not affected by pH. RhB degradation was increase with the pH decrease.

The aim of this research was to apply experimental design methodology in the optimization condition of electrochemical oxidation of Rhodamine B(RhB). The reactions of electrochemical oxidation were mathematically described as a function of parameters amounts of current, NaCl dosage, pH and time being modeled by the use of the central composite design, which was used for fitting quadratic response surface model. The application of response surface methodology using central composite design(CCD) technique yielded the following regression equation, which is an empirical relationship between the removal efficiency of RhB and test variable in actual variables: RhB removal (%) = 3.977 + 23.279․Current + 49.124․NaCl － 5.539․pH － 8.863 ․time － 22.710․Current․NaCl + 5.409․Current․time + 2.390․NaCl․time + 1.061․pH․time － 0.570․time2. The model predicted also agree with the experimentally observed result(R2 = 91.9%).

Fabrication and oxidants production of 3 or 4 components metal oxide electrode, which is known to be so effective to destruct non-biodegradable organics in wastewater, were studied. Five electrode materials (Ru as main component and Pt, Sn, Sb and Gd as minor components) were used for the 3 or 4 components electrode. The metal oxide electrode was prepared by coating the electrode material on the surface of the titanium mesh and then thermal oxidation at 500℃ for 1 h. The removed RhB per 2 min and unit W of 3 components electrode was in the order: Ru:Sn:Sb=9:1:1 > Ru:Pt:Gd=5:5:1 > Ru:Sn=9:1 > Ru:Sn:Gd=9:1:1 > Ru:Sb:Gd=9:1:1. Although RhB decolorization of Ru:Sn:Sb:Gd electrode was the highest among the 4 components electrode, the RhB decolorization and oxidants formation of the Ru:Sn:Sb=9:1:1 electrode was higher than that of the 3 and 4 components electrode. Electrogenerated oxidants (free Cl and ClO2) of chlorine type in 3 and 4 components electrode were higher than other oxidants such as H2O2 and O3. It was assumed that electrode with high RhB decolorization showed high oxidant generation and COD removal efficiency. OH radical which is electrogenerated by the direct electrolysis was not generated the entire 3 and 4 components electrode, therefore main mechanism of RhB degradation by metal oxide electrode based Ru was considered indirect electrolysis using electrogenerated oxidants.

Fabrication and oxidants formation of 1 and 2 component metal oxide electrode, which is known to be so effective to destruct non-biodegradable organics in wastewater, were studied. Five electrode materials (Ru, Pt, Sn, Sb and Gd) were used for the 1 and 2 component electrode. The metal oxide electrode was prepared by coating the electrode material on the surface of the titanium mesh and then thermal oxidation at 500℃ for 1 h. The removed RhB per 2 min and unit W for one component electrode decreased in the following sequences: Ru/Ti > Sb/Ti > Pt/Ti > Gd/Ti > Sn/Ti. The concentration of oxidants generated in 1 and 2 component electrodes was in the order of: ClO2 > free Cl > H2O2 > O3. OH radical was not generated from in entire one and two component electrodes. RhB degradation rate and generated oxidants of the Ru-Sn=9:1 electrode was higher than that of the two component electrode. The exact relationship between the removal of RhB and the generated oxidants concentration was not obvious. However, it was assumed that electrode with high RhB decolorization had high oxidant concentration.