Ti nano electrode fabrication for electrochemical denitrification using Box–Behnken design

• A novel Ti nano cathode was produced for electrochemical denitrification.
• Response surface methodology was used for the fabrication of Ti nano electrodes.
• Ti nano electrodes has high reduction efficiency for nitrate.

In this study, a novel Ti nano cathode was produced for electrochemical denitrification of groundwater. The factors that influence the production of Ti nano electrodes were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Efficient reduction of the nitrate electrode was achieved. A Box–Behnken design can be used to develop mathematical models that predict the best geometry for electrochemical nitrate removal. The interaction between parameters can be identified in this typical electrochemical removal process. A correlation coefficient R2 > 0.90 for the present mathematical model indicates a high correlation between observed and predicted values. The best conditions for preparation of the Ti nano electrode are as follows: 0.03 wt% hydrofluoric acid and 5.00 V oxidation voltage, without addition of acetic acid. Under these conditions, the nitrate reduction efficiency was 154% higher than that from an untreated electrode and the energy consumption was 5.97 × 10− 4 kWh.