Electrochemical Regeneration of Cr(VI) Saturated Granular and Powder Activated Carbon: Comparison of Regeneration Efficiency

In this study, the regeneration of commercially available granular and powder activated carbons contaminated with Cr(VI) were investigated by electrochemical method. The regeneration of spent carbons was conducted in a batch stirred electrochemical reactor under different operating conditions in potentiostatic mode. The effects of operating parameters such as cell voltage, electrolyte concentration, pH and regeneration time on the regeneration efficiency and energy consumption were determined. The data of isotherm experiments were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich-Peterson models. Surface characterization of fresh and regenerated activated carbons was examined using BET, SEM, and Boehm titration methods. Approximately 70% regeneration efficiency was achieved for granular and powder activated carbons.