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Electrochemical degradation of pesticide azoxystrobin by anodic oxidation on boron-doped diamond

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2017-05-16
JournalApplied Journal of Environmental Engineering Science
AuthorsShehdeh Jodeh, M. Errami, R. Salghi, Mohammed Zougagh, A. Chakir
AnalysisFull AI Review Included

BDD Diamond: Enabling High-Efficiency Electrochemical Degradation of Pesticides

Section titled “BDD Diamond: Enabling High-Efficiency Electrochemical Degradation of Pesticides”

Technical Documentation and Sales Analysis for Environmental Remediation

Section titled “Technical Documentation and Sales Analysis for Environmental Remediation”

This document analyzes the research paper, “Electrochemical degradation of pesticide azoxystrobin by anodic oxidation on boron-doped diamond,” to demonstrate 6CCVD’s specialized material solutions for advanced electrochemistry and environmental engineering applications.


6CCVD’s Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) material is validated by this research as the superior anode solution for the efficient mineralization of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in wastewater treatment.

  • Core Achievement: Demonstrated high-efficiency electrochemical degradation of the persistent pesticide Azoxystrobin (40 mg L-1) using a BDD anode.
  • Material Necessity: BDD’s exceptionally high oxygen evolution overpotential facilitates the generation of powerful hydroxyl radicals (OH¡), essential for mineralizing bio-refractory pollutants into CO2 and H2O.
  • Optimization Success: The process achieved maximum degradation kinetics (pseudo first-order) by utilizing high current density (70 mA¡cm-2) and optimizing supporting electrolyte (NaCl).
  • Scalability Confirmed: The electrochemical method is ideal for flow systems, offering automation potential and superior stability compared to traditional photocatalytic or chemical methods.
  • 6CCVD Advantage: We offer custom, large-area BDD electrodes, metalization, and thickness control required to scale this research from the laboratory 1 cm² cell to industrial flow reactors.

The following table summarizes the critical operational parameters and performance metrics extracted from the study demonstrating optimal BDD use in environmental remediation.

ParameterValueUnitContext
Anode MaterialBoron-Doped Diamond (BDD)N/AHigh-stability, active anode
Effective Anode Surface Area1cm²Square plate electrode dimension
Counter Electrode MaterialPlatinum (Pt)N/AStandard three-electrode setup
Reference ElectrodeSaturated Calomel ElectrodeN/APotential reference (SCE)
Optimal Applied Current Density70mA¡cm-2Maximized degradation rate
Tested Current Density Range10 - 70mA¡cm-2Range investigated for COD removal
Operating Temperature25 (¹ 3)°CThermoregulated cell conditions
Initial Target PollutantAzoxystrobin40 mg L-1Initial concentration for degradation test
Optimal Supporting ElectrolyteNaCl (Sodium Chloride)1 g L-1Achieved fastest COD removal kinetics
Highest Apparent Rate Constant (k)2.82 x 10-2min-1Measured at 70 mA¡cm-2
Measurement RepeatabilityWithin 5%Margin of experimental error

The electrochemical degradation kinetics study utilized a standardized setup and rigorous analytical techniques to quantify COD removal efficiency.

  1. Electrolytic Cell Setup: A conventional 100 cmÂł thermoregulated glass cell (Tacussel Standard CEC/TH) was used in a three-electrode configuration.
  2. Electrode Placement: The BDD anode (1 cm² effective surface area) was placed 1 cm from the Platinum (Pt) cathode, using a Saturated Calomel Electrode as the reference.
  3. Operational Environment: All experiments were conducted at 25 °C (¹ 3 °C) in solutions that were continuously magnetically stirred and aerated.
  4. Kinetic Testing: The influence of three 1 g L-1 supporting electrolytes (NaCl, NaOH, and Na2SO4) was tested, confirming NaCl as the most effective for electrocatalytic degradation.
  5. Current Density Variation: COD removal was measured across applied current densities, finding 70 mA¡cm-2 yielded the highest pseudo first-order kinetic rate constant (k).
  6. Analytical Method: Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), the key measure of efficiency, was determined using standard open reflux, dichromate titration methods for wastewater analysis, ensuring high confidence (< 5% error margin).

6CCVD provides the specialized Boron-Doped Diamond materials and engineering services necessary to replicate, optimize, and scale this high-performance electrochemical process for environmental remediation.

To achieve the high stability and performance required for Azoxystrobin mineralization, researchers must use highly uniform and conductive BDD material.

  • Material Recommendation: Heavy Boron Doped PCD/BDD Wafers.
    • Description: We offer Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) films doped with Boron to achieve metallic conductivity, ideal for use as high-stability anodes in corrosive media.
    • Relevance: The BDD anode is the active component responsible for generating the oxidizing radicals (OH¡) necessary for breaking down the tough chemical structure of Azoxystrobin. Our MPCVD doping control ensures the optimal conductivity and active surface area required for high current density operation (70 mA¡cm-2).

The experimental setup relied on a small 1 cm² electrode. 6CCVD facilitates the critical transition from lab-scale R&D to pilot and industrial application.

  • Large-Area Electrodes for Scale-Up:
    • We provide custom BDD plates/wafers up to 125mm in diameter (PCD/BDD). This enables engineers to design large-format flow cells and modular systems required for high-volume wastewater treatment.
  • Precision Thickness Control:
    • BDD film thickness is critical for longevity and cost management. We offer BDD thickness control from 0.1 Âľm to 500 Âľm, allowing precise material specification based on lifetime and performance requirements.
  • Custom Metalization and Contacts:
    • For high current density applications, robust back-side contact is essential. 6CCVD offers in-house metalization services, including common high-stability layers like Ti, Pt, and Au, to ensure reliable electrical interface and easy integration into electrochemical cell hardware.
  • Custom Geometry:
    • We offer laser cutting and shaping services to produce BDD electrodes in custom geometries (circles, squares, strips, or complex patterns) to fit proprietary reactor designs, moving beyond the simple “square plate” used in the study.

Electrochemical wastewater treatment utilizing BDD is a highly specialized field. 6CCVD supports engineers globally in material selection and optimization.

  • Application Expertise: 6CCVD’s in-house PhD team can assist with material selection, doping level optimization, and substrate selection for similar environmental electro-oxidation (EO) projects, including the degradation of other organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides mentioned in the paper (DDT, lindane, etc.).
  • Global Logistics: We provide global shipping (DDU default, DDP available) to ensure timely delivery of custom BDD components regardless of the customer’s location, supporting uninterrupted R&D timelines.

For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.

View Original Abstract

The problem of agricultural pesticide utilization in the Arab countries is not only an issue of uncontrolled use, but it is also a problem pertaining to the handling, misuse and disposal of unwanted pesticides. Electrochemical measurements were performed using a computer controlled by Potentiostat/Galvanostat model PGZ 100 associated to ‘‘Volta-Master 4’’ software. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) is measured according to the standard methods for examination of water and wastewater. The COD values were determined by the open reflux, with dichromate titration method. All measurements were repeated in triplicate and all results were observed to be repeatable within a 5 % margin of experimental error. Kinetic studies were carried out to determine the COD reduction efficiency for electrooxidation pesticides at different supporting electrolytes. For this purpose, the removal rate of COD was assumed to obey a first-order kinetic as follows. The influence of the current density on the COD removal during the electrochemical oxidation of pesticide Azoxystrobin was 40 mg L-1 at the BDD anode.