A novel bioelectro-Fenton system for coupling anodic COD removal with cathodic dye degradation

The typical electro-Fenton process requires electricity to produce H2O2 electrochemically on the cathode for generating powerful oxidants (e.g., hydroxyl radical) to degrade persistent organic pollutants. A new bioelectro-Fenton system in a two-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) was proposed using a Fe@Fe2O3/carbon felt composite cathode for simultaneous oxidation of wastewater at the anode and cathodic degradation of biorefractory pollutant by Fenton's reaction. Under the short-circuit conditions, it was found that the rate of Rhodamine B (RhB) decolorization, TOC removal and stoichiometric efficiency was significantly improved as compared with that found under close-circuit conditions (1000 Ω). The enhancement was determined to be caused by an increase in cathodic current density that was favorable for H2O2 production.