Bio-refractory organics degradation over semiconductor foam under a superimposed electric field

The production of oxidizing agents (mainly OH radicals) by heterogeneous catalytic reaction between a semiconductor and water under a superimposed electric field was assessed in a three-compartment electrochemical cell for the abatement of non-biodegradable toxic organic compounds. The performance of a batch-operated reactor was comparable with other advanced oxidation reactors, from both the abatement kinetics and energy consumption points of view, with no formation of chlorinated intermediates in the presence of chloride ions. The rate of radicals generation was found to depend on several factors: imposed current, electric field intensity and electrical resistivity of the phases involved. The innovative electro-oxidative treatment proposed seems to be particularly suitable for low conductivity solutions with low concentration of pollutants.