In this paper, granular copper films (GCFs) were prepared through electrodeposition in CuSO4 solution containing triethanolamine, and the films were used as electro-Fenton-like cathodes for degradation of methyl orange (MO). The effects of triethanolamine concentration, pH value, current intensity and temperature on the morphology of the films, as well as the MO decolorization ratio (DR), were investigated in detail. Results show that when the concentration of triethanolamine is 0.2 wt%, the prepared GCF exhibits the best performance. Under room temperature and neutral conditions, no external O2 or catalyst, MO is completely decolorized after 240 min. Compared with the commonly used carbon cathode, the GCF cathode can increase the MO decolorization rate by approximately 70.9%. The kinetics of the electrochemical degradation reaction is also discussed.
Keywords: electrochemical degradation; electrodeposition; granular copper films; methyl orange.