Development of electrochemical reactors with three dimensional electrodes to remove organic pollutants by electrocoagulation and electrodegradation

• Grant number: 24/11001-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Luis Augusto Martins Ruotolo
• Grantee: Ricardo Sgarbi de Moraes
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/12895-1 - Advanced processes for the degradation of emerging pollutants: catalytic materials, electroanalytical sensors and scientific dissemination, AP.TEM

Abstract

In this project, the research fellow will have the opportunity to develop a cutting-edge research topic in the field and improve their technical and scientific knowledge. Thereby contributing to the Brazil by developing a new technology to mitigate the environmental impacts caused by organic pollutants. Furthermore, the project will form a highly specialized technical workforce, yielding positive economic, environmental and social impacts. The project comprises the following stages: 1) design, construction and testing of the experimental system and the electrochemical particulate bed reactor (fixed, fluidized, and pulsating) for the in-situ generation of the coagulant agent from the particles constituting the three-dimensional electrode (Fe and/or Al). This stage aims to remove most of the total organic carbon (TOC) present in a high concentrated TOC industrial wastewater. 2) systematic study of the variables controlling the electro-generation process pf the coagulant agents and the coagulation and floc formation processes, to understand the process from the perspective of electrochemical phenomena and mass transfer. 3) initial study of the electrodes and the process for removing organic compounds from a synthetic effluent containing organic pollutants. This stage will evaluate the variables affecting the electrode's performance in removing the organic compound and subsequently optimize the process. 4) the most effective electrode and process conditions for removing the organic pollutant, determined in the previous stages, will be employed for treating a real effluent from a company. This stage aims to validate the electrode and the process for effective industrial application from both efficacy and economic perspectives. In a subsequent stage, the wastewater resulting from the electrocoagulation treatment will undergo an electrochemical degradation process using a boron-doped diamond electrode to remove residual TOC, thereby meeting the disposal standards established by legislation.