Electro-Fenton degradation of cellulose using graphite/PTFE electrodes modified by 2-ethylanthraquinone

► The electro-Fenton method could promote the degradation of cellulose. ► The electrodes were graphite/PTFE electrodes modified by 2-ethyl anthraquinone. ► The EAQ greatly improved the rate of hydrogen peroxide formation on electrodes. ► Hydroxyl radicals produced by hydrogen peroxide accelerates cellulose degradation. ► The degradation products of the cellulose contain soluble sugar and 5-HMF.