Sustainable cellulose/kraft lignin carbon xerogel applied to H2O2 electrogeneration using gas diffusion electrodes: Exploring the degradation of sulfamerazine in H2O2-based processes

Author(s)

de Moraes, Nicolas Perciani ; Lourenco, Julio Cesar ; Rocha, Robson da Silva ; Rodrigues, Liana Alvares ; Lanza, Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BIOMASS & BIOENERGY; v. 194, p. 11-pg., 2025-03-01.

Abstract

This study investigated the application of cellulose/kraft lignin-derived carbon xerogels for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) electrogeneration using gas diffusion electrodes, intending to develop cost-effective and environmentally sustainable H2O2-based processes for antibiotic degradation. Electrochemical characterization revealed that increasing the proportion of kraft lignin in the xerogels enhanced selectivity towards H2O2 electrogeneration, whereas calcination at elevated temperatures caused a positive shift in the onset potential of the oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), indicating a reduction in the energy requirements for H2O2 production. These enhancements are likely related to morphological and structural modifications induced by kraft lignin incorporation into the carbon xerogel, including changes in particle morphology, an increase in specific surface area, and the development of a microporous structure. Additionally, the synthesis process introduced oxygen and nitrogencontaining functional groups into the carbon xerogel, which are likely linked to the high selectivity obtained for H2O2 electrogeneration. When implemented in the fabrication of gas diffusion electrodes, the optimized carbon xerogel achieved a maximum H2O2 concentration of 700 mg L- 1 within 1 h of electrolysis at a current density of 100 mA cm- 2. Among the techniques evaluated, the photoelectro-Fenton process demonstrated the highest efficiency for sulfamerazine removal, achieving complete degradation within 15 min and 75 % mineralization after 90 min. (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: 22/12895-1 - Advanced processes for the degradation of emerging pollutants: catalytic materials, electroanalytical sensors and scientific dissemination
• Grantee: Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos Lanza
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/04058-2 - Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of pollutants (bisphenol-A, sulfamerazine, and 2,4-D) using H2O2 electrogenerated in carbonaceous matrices obtained from sustainable sources
• Grantee: Nicolas Perciani de Moraes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• 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: 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