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Electrochemical Degradation of Indigo Carmine Textile Dye Powered by Solar Photovoltaic Energy

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2015-01-08
JournalGlobal Journal of Energy Technology Research Updates
AuthorsKonstantinos Dermentzis, Dimitrios Stergiopoulos, Anastasios Moumtzakis
InstitutionsDemocritus University of Thrace, Technological Educational Institute of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
Citations2
AnalysisFull AI Review Included

6CCVD Technical Analysis & Advanced Oxidation Material Guide

Section titled “6CCVD Technical Analysis & Advanced Oxidation Material Guide”

PV-EO System Optimization Using Boron Doped Diamond (BDD) Electrodes

Section titled “PV-EO System Optimization Using Boron Doped Diamond (BDD) Electrodes”

This analysis summarizes the critical findings from the research paper on the electrochemical degradation of Indigo Carmine textile dye, focusing specifically on the high-performance material science aspects essential for system replication and industrial scale-up. The research confirms that Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) is the premier electrode material for highly efficient, sustainable Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Processes (EAOPs).


  • Process Validation: The paper successfully demonstrates the feasibility and high efficiency of a Photo-Voltaic Electro-Oxidation (PV-EO) system for the quantitative removal of Indigo Carmine dye from wastewater.
  • Material Superiority: Boron Doped Diamond (BDD) electrodes were utilized due to their chemical stability, wide potential window, and unparalleled high overvoltage for oxygen production.
  • Mechanism of Action: BDD’s high overvoltage directly facilitates the production of potent hydroxyl radicals (OH*), the most powerful oxidant in water (Redox Potential: 2.8 VNHE), driving the rapid destruction of persistent organic pollutants.
  • Performance Metrics: Quantitative decolorization (>99% removal, down to detection limits) of 100 mg L-1 dye was achieved in only 10 minutes using a current density of 5.0 mA/cm2.
  • Sustainability & Versatility: The system operates without batteries, connecting the PV array directly to the reactor. This eliminates maintenance issues associated with battery disposal and allows the system to remain versatile by dynamically adjusting wastewater flow rate based on instantaneous solar irradiation.
  • Efficiency: High conductivity (8000 ”S/cm) reduced electrical energy consumption to an exceptional 1.6 kWh/m3 while maintaining >99% removal efficiency.

The core material and performance data extracted from the study are detailed below.

ParameterValueUnitContext
Target Dye Concentration (Initial)100mg L-1Indigo Carmine
Quantitative Removal Rate>99%Achieved at all tested current densities
Minimum Degradation Time10minAt optimal 5.0 mA/cm2 current density
Optimal Initial pH3N/AMaximizes oxidation power (acidic environment)
Current Density Range (Tested)1.0 to 5.0mA/cm2Affects reaction rate inversely (45 min down to 10 min)
Lowest Energy Consumption1.6kWh/m3Measured at 8000 ”S/cm conductivity
BDD Anode Physical Dimensions10 x 5 x 0.2cmSupplied by DiaCCom, Germany
BDD Anode Effective Area60cm2Immersed area
Interelectrode Distance0.5cmOptimized reactor geometry
Wastewater Conductivity Range2000 to 8000”S/cmRemoval efficiency remains constant (>99%)

The following is an ordered summary of the BDD electrode-based PV-EO experimental protocol:

  1. Electrode Fabrication and Setup: A central Boron Doped Diamond (BDD) plate (10 cm x 5 cm x 0.2 cm) was used as the working anode. Two outer graphite plates served as the cathodes, separated by an interelectrode distance of 0.5 cm.
  2. Reactor Conditions: Electrolyses were conducted in a 400 ml cylindrical glass cell containing 200 ml of wastewater, continuously stirred at 500 rpm at room temperature.
  3. Chemical Environment: Initial dye concentration was set to 100 ppm. Na2SO4 was introduced as the supporting electrolyte to optimize conductivity (ranging 2000-8000 ”S/cm).
  4. pH Control: The process was demonstrated to be pH-dependent, with optimum performance and radical production observed at pH=3.
  5. Direct PV Connection: A monocrystalline silicon PV module (327 W peak power) was connected directly to the reactor terminals, eliminating the need for batteries and enhancing electrical energy utilization.
  6. Flow Rate Adjustment: To maintain a constant current density/flow rate ratio despite fluctuations in solar irradiation, the peristaltic pump was adjusted dynamically. This operational mode ensures system versatility and steady performance across changing solar conditions.
  7. Performance Monitoring: Samples were collected every 2.5 minutes and analyzed using UV-VIS Spectrophotometry at the optimum absorption wavelength of 612 nm.

This research highlights the critical role of highly stable, high-performance Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) anodes for sustainable wastewater remediation. 6CCVD, an expert provider of MPCVD diamond, is uniquely positioned to supply and enhance the materials required to replicate and scale this PV-EO technology.

To replicate or extend the results of this advanced oxidation study, 6CCVD recommends:

  • Heavy Boron Doped PCD (BDD): Our polycrystalline BDD films offer superior conductivity, mechanical stability, and the high oxygen overvoltage necessary to maximize OH* radical generation (EAOPs).
  • Conductive Substrates: We supply BDD films deposited on various conductive substrates (e.g., Niobium, Silicon, Tungsten) suitable for high current density applications, ensuring efficient contact and minimizing parasitic losses.

The requirements of advanced electrochemical processes frequently involve non-standard electrode geometries for optimal reactor fluid dynamics and surface area maximization.

Research Requirement6CCVD Capability & SolutionValue Proposition for Engineers
Custom Electrode SizeWafers up to 125mm (PCD/BDD)We exceed the 10 cm x 5 cm plate size used in the paper, facilitating immediate scale-up to pilot and industrial reactors using larger area plates.
Electrode ThicknessCustom SCD/PCD/BDD ThicknessSupply thicknesses from ultra-thin films (0.1 ”m) to robust, thick electrodes (500 ”m), optimizing cost-to-performance ratio for long-term use.
Electrical InterfacingIn-House Precision MetalizationWe apply custom metal stacks (Ti/Pt/Au, Ti/W/Cu, etc.) essential for creating robust, low-resistance electrical contacts, critical for high-efficiency PV direct-connection systems.
System IntegrationCustom Laser Cutting & ShapingElectrodes can be laser-cut to precise specifications, ensuring perfect fit and maximized effective surface area within customized electrooxidation cell designs.

6CCVD’s in-house PhD team specializes in the material science of MPCVD diamond and its applications in harsh environments, including Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Processes (EAOPs). We offer comprehensive material selection consultation to optimize doping levels, film thickness, and substrate selection for projects focusing on:

  • High-volume industrial textile effluent treatment.
  • Sustainable, off-grid water purification systems.
  • Development of custom EAOP reactors requiring stable, chemically inert anodes.

For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly. 6CCVD provides DDU global shipping by default, with DDP available upon request.

View Original Abstract

The proposed photovoltaic electro oxidation process combines the autonomous and environmentally friendly photovoltaic solar energy with the capability of electro oxidation at boron doped diamond electrodes to effectively decolorize and degrade indigo carmine textile dye from wastewater. The photovoltaic array can be connected directly to the electrochemical reactor without batteries increasing, in this way, the system sustainability and eliminating the environmental threat of improper battery disposal. The system is made versatile according to the instantaneous solar irradiation by adjusting the wastewater flow rate to the current intensity supplied by the photovoltaic panel. All operating parameters affecting the efficiency of the proposed process, such as wastewater conductivity, pH, flow rate, current density, electro processing time and solar irradiance were studied and optimal conditions were investigated. The experimental results showed that by applying current densities of 1, 2.5 and 5 mA cm2 the initial dye concentration of 100 mg L-1 in the treated wastewater was quantitatively eliminated in 45, 20 and 10 minutes of electro processing respectively. The process is appropriate for treatment of colored industrial textile dye house effluents and especially for applications in remote and isolated locations without connection to public electric grid.