Electrochemical degradation of oxytetracycline by Ti-Sn-Sb/γ-Al2O3 three-dimensional electrodes

Abstract

In this work, Ti-Sn-Sb/γ-Al₂O₃ particle electrodes were prepared and employed for the degradation of oxytetracycline (OTC) by three-dimensional electrocatalytic technology. Factors associated with the preparation of Ti-Sn-Sb/γ-Al₂O₃ particle electrodes were investigated. The effects of initial concentration, conductivity, pH value, aeration intensity, current density, plate spacing, and particle electrode dosage on OTC removal were studied. The removal rate of OTC and total organic carbon were achieved approximately 92.0% and 41.0% under the optimal operating condition, respectively. In addition, Ti-Sn-Sb/γ-Al₂O₃ particle electrode was analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrum analysis (EDX), X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF), and X Ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), which indicated that a significant amount of TiO₂, SnO₂, and Sb₂O₃ were formed on the surface of Ti-Sn-Sb/γ-Al₂O₃ particle electrode. It was also observed that the primary function of Ti-Sn-Sb/γ-Al₂O₃ particle electrode in the three-dimensional electrode electrolysis process is the strong oxidizing function of ·OH for degrading OTC. Consequently, the analysis of degradation products of oxytetracycline (OTC) demonstrates. In addition, the results and conclusions of this study provide a methodological basis and engineering practice basis for removing the low concentration of antibiotics in water.

Keywords: Electrocatalytic oxidation; Hydroxyl radical; Oxytetracycline; Particle electrode; Three-dimensional reactor.