Synthesis of Nb₂O₅/C for H₂O₂ electrogeneration and its application for the degradation of levofloxacin

Author(s)

Valim, Ricardo Bertholo ; Carneiro, Jussara Fernandes ; Lourenco, Julio Cesar ; Hammer, Peter ; dos Santos, Mauro Coelho ; Rodrigues, Liana Alvares ; Bertazzoli, Rodnei ; Lanza, Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos ; Rocha, Robson da Silva

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Applied Electrochemistry; v. N/A, p. 15-pg., 2023-08-29.

Abstract

The present work sought to investigate H2O2 generation using a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) composed of carbon with niobium oxide for levofloxacin (LEVO) degradation. Results showed that the oxide formed was Nb2O5 (crystallographic structure was confirmed by XRD; chemical composition detected by XPS), and the increase in the Nb/C ratio led to more crystalline structure and higher crystallite size. The carbon with 5% Nb2O5 presented an average particle size of 5.6 nm, and this material led to the generation of the highest amount of H2O2 (317.6 mg L-1). The C/5% Nb2O5-modified GDE was applied for the degradation of LEVO in an acid medium in the presence and absence of Fe2+ ions. Long-term experiments conducted to analyze the time required for the total removal of LEVO showed that 96% of LEVO and 66% of organic load were removed in 270 min of treatment at the current density of 100 mA cm(-2). [GRAPHICS] . (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/50945-4 - INCT 2014: National Institute for Alternative Technologies of Detection, Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactivies
• Grantee: Maria Valnice Boldrin
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/10118-0 - Study and application of electrochemical technology for the analysis and degradation of endocrine interferents: materials, sensors, processes and scientific dissemination
• Grantee: Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos Lanza
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/14314-1 - Study of the modification of gas diffusion electrodes with redox catalysts for in situ electrogeneration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
• Grantee: Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos Lanza
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/00239-0 - "Synthesis and characterization of new electrocatalysts for hydrogen peroxide electrogeneration"
• Grantee: Jussara Fernandes Carneiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 13/02762-5 - Development of technologies to prevent pollution: degradation and monitoring online of antibiotics in sewage
• Grantee: Robson da Silva Rocha
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/12053-8 - Use of sewage treatment sludge in the synthesis of active carbon modified with nanostructured oxides (Ce, Nb, Ta, and Pd ) and its application in the electrochemical generation of hydrogen peroxide
• Grantee: Julio César Lourenço
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral