Cobalt etched graphite felt electrode for enhanced removal of organic pollutant in aqueous solution with a solid polymer electrolyte

Abstract

In this study, cobalt etched graphite felt electrodes were produced using a simple etching technique. It was used in combination with a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) for the degradation of the target contaminant Orange II by Electro-Fenton (EF) technique in low conductivity water. In this method, 94% of Orange II in low conductivity water was removed in 90 min. The characterization analysis substantiates the hypothesis that the electrodes produced exhibit a three-dimensional porous structure, augmented defect concentration, and enhanced electron transfer capability. In addition, the potential reaction mechanism was inferred from the radical quenching experiments, and hydroxyl radicals (·OH) were deemed the main reactive substances. The combination of cobalt etched graphite felt electrodes with SPE demonstrates remarkable efficacy in the treatment of organic wastewater characterized by low electrical conductivity.

Keywords: Cobalt etched graphite felt; Degradation; Electro-Fenton; Low conductivity water; Orange II; Solid polymer electrolyte.