Simultaneous oxidation of phenol and reduction of Cr(VI) induced by contact glow discharge electrolysis

In this study, both phenol oxidation and Cr(VI) reduction induced by contact glow discharge electrolysis were investigated. Experimental results showed that the phenol oxidation increased markedly in the presence of Cr(VI) and the Cr(VI) reduction rose with the presence of phenol. The effect of Cr(VI) on phenol oxidation was hardly influenced by the solution pH, whereas the effect of phenol on Cr(VI) reduction at neutral pH was more evident than in acidic condition although the Cr(VI) reduction proceeded more rapidly in acid conditions. Possible mechanism of the synergistic effect was discussed based on the reaction kinetics. The findings would be helpful for removing organic and inorganic pollutants simultaneously in the complex wastewater.