Catalytic activity comparison of typical iron-bearing particle electrodes in heterogeneous electro-Fenton oxidation processes

Four kinds of iron-bearing materials including chalcopyrite, pyrite, sponge iron and iron-carbon composite were exploited as catalysts and 3D electrodes (particle electrode) for heterogeneous electro-Fenton oxidation processes. Their catalytic activities were compared according to decolorization (i.e. 1 - C/C-0) and COD removal efficacies, using Reactive Red X-3B as a model organic pollutant in dyeing wastewater. The iron-carbon composite was found to be the most effective catalyst, and 99.63 +/- 1 % of decolorization and 79.86 +/- 2 % of COD removal can be achieved. The addition of sodium chloride reduced catalytic efficacies of sponge iron and iron-carbon composite slightly, but promoted those of chalcopyrite and pyrite. Furthermore, the stability and reusability of catalysts were examined and insignificant reduction on catalytic activity was observed for 5 cycles of electro-Fenton processes. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Chalcopyrite, pyrite, sponge iron, and iron-carbon composite were studied as catalysts and electrodes in heterogeneous electro-Fenton oxidation processes, with iron-carbon composite showing the highest catalytic activity for pollutant removal. The addition of sodium chloride had varying effects on the catalytic efficacies of these materials.