Use of WO2.72 Nanoparticles/Vulcan (R) XC72 GDE Electrocatalyst Combined with the Photoelectro-Fenton Process for the Degradation of 17 alpha-Ethinylestradiol (EE2)

Author(s)

Machado, Maria Lucia O. ; Paz, Edson C. ; Pinheiro, Victor S. ; de Souza, Rafael Augusto S. ; Pereira Neto, Ana Maria ; Gaubeur, Ivanise ; dos Santos, Mauro C.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ELECTROCATALYSIS; v. 13, n. 4, p. 12-pg., 2022-04-15.

Abstract

This study proposed the use of electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) for the degradation of 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2). Initially, hydrogen peroxide electrogeneration was performed using a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) cathode prepared with the electrocatalyst Vulcan (R) XC72 modified with WO2.72 nanoparticles and a boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode. Subsequently, the photoelectrodegradation of 20 mg L-1 EE2 was performed in a synthetic solution under the following conditions: 0.50 mmol L-1 Fe2+ , 0.10 mol L-1 K2SO4, pH 3.0, 20 degrees C at different current densities (j = 150, 200, 250, or 300 mA cm(-2)). Degradation efficiency was evaluated by determining the organic matter content through total organic carbon (TOC) analyses. Finally, TOC reductions of 74.5, 88.4, 88.3, and 93.6% were obtained for synthetic EE2 solutions prepared in deionized water, reuse water, tap water, and mineral water, respectively, when performing degradation at 300 mA cm(-2). Intermediate compounds were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the predominance of oxalic acid was observed. The use of photoelectro-Fenton process joined with a cathode composed of an electrocatalyst of Vulcan (R) XC72 modified with WO2.72 nanoparticles and a BDD anode were very efficient to degrade synthetic EE2 solutions in different water matrices, probing that Vulcan (R) XC72 modified with WO2.72 nanoparticles is not only an excellent material for dyes degradation but also to hormones remotion. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/23878-0 - Consolidation and innovation in the research line: analytical methods development combined to liquid phase microextraction
• Grantee: Ivanise Gaubeur
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/26288-1 - Hybrid electrocatalysts based on Pd, Pt and Sn nanoparticles, and on ceria nanorods for application in fuel cells
• Grantee: Victor dos Santos Pinheiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate