Hydroxyl radical production in electrochemical reactor

Abstract

OH radical production during electrolysis of water was monitored to show that it could be involved in an indirect oxidation of pollutants in electrochemical wastewater treatment. The OH radical concentration in the electrochemical reactor was measured by using a probe compound, p-chlorobenzoate (pCBA). Titanium and titanium coated with RuO2/PtO2 were used as a cathode and an anode, respectively, in the electrochemical reactor. OH radicals were produced during electrolysis of water. Factors affecting OH radical production were investigated to be used in designing the electrochemical reactor. Those were the gap between the anode and cathode, reaction temperature, applied voltage and electrical conductivity.