Efficient degradation of phenol by electrooxidation process at boron-doped diamond anode system
At a Glance
Section titled âAt a Glanceâ| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2025-06-27 |
| Journal | MANAS Journal of Engineering |
| Authors | Nawid Ahmad Akhtar, Mehmet Kobya |
| Institutions | Gebze Technical University, Kyrgyz-TĂŒrkish Manas Ăniversity |
| Citations | 1 |
| Analysis | Full AI Review Included |
Technical Documentation & Analysis: High-Efficiency Phenol Degradation using BDD Anodes
Section titled âTechnical Documentation & Analysis: High-Efficiency Phenol Degradation using BDD AnodesâThis document analyzes the research paper âEfficient degradation of phenol by electrooxidation process at boron-doped diamond anode systemâ to highlight the critical role of high-quality Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) materials and connect the experimental requirements directly to 6CCVDâs advanced MPCVD diamond manufacturing capabilities.
Executive Summary
Section titled âExecutive SummaryâThe research successfully validates Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) anodes as a superior, cost-effective solution for industrial wastewater treatment via electrooxidation (EO).
- 100% Degradation Achieved: Complete (100%) removal of 100 mg/L phenol was achieved in a short reaction time of 50 minutes under optimized conditions.
- Optimal Parameters: The most efficient operation was found at a current density of 200 A/m2 and a near-neutral initial pH of 7.6, minimizing the need for costly chemical pH adjustment.
- Mechanism Validation: BDD functions as a ânon-activeâ anode, promoting the enhanced generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (âąOH) for the complete mineralization of persistent organic pollutants (phenol) to CO2 and H2O.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The optimized EO process demonstrated low specific energy consumption (SEC) of 420.0 kWh/kg phenol and a competitive total operating cost (OC) of 7.88 $/kg phenol.
- Industrial Viability: The findings confirm that BDD-based EO is a highly efficient, environmentally friendly, and economically viable alternative to conventional methods for treating phenol-contaminated industrial effluents.
Technical Specifications
Section titled âTechnical SpecificationsâThe following hard data points were extracted from the study, focusing on the optimal performance metrics achieved using the BDD anode system.
| Parameter | Value | Unit | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anode Material | BDD on Nb | - | Boron-Doped Diamond on Niobium Substrate |
| Cathode Material | 316 AISI SS | - | Stainless Steel |
| Optimum Current Density (j) | 200 | A/m2 | Highest removal efficiency, lowest overall cost profile |
| Optimum Initial pH | 7.6 | - | Near-neutral pH, eliminating chemical adjustment costs |
| Phenol Removal Efficiency | 100 | % | Achieved in 50 minutes |
| Initial Phenol Concentration (Ci) | 100 | mg/L | Standard test concentration |
| Optimum Reaction Time | 50 | min | Time required for 100% removal |
| Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) | 420.0 | kWh/kg phenol | Energy required per unit mass of pollutant removed |
| Total Operating Cost (OC) | 7.88 | $/kg phenol | Total cost including energy and chemicals |
| Anode Efficiency (η) | 1.74 | g phenol/Ahm2 | Calculated efficiency at 200 A/m2 |
| Anode Active Surface Area (Aelectrode) | 0.012 | m2 | Used for current density calculation |
Key Methodologies
Section titled âKey MethodologiesâThe electrooxidation (EO) experiments were conducted in a batch reactor setup, systematically varying key operational parameters to determine the optimal BDD performance envelope.
- Electrode Fabrication: The anode consisted of a Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) film deposited onto a 1.5 mm Niobium (Nb) plate. The cathode was 316 AISI Stainless Steel (SS).
- Electrode Geometry: Both anode and cathode were rectangular plates with dimensions of 20 cm (Length) x 6 cm (Width) x 3 mm (Thickness).
- Reactor Setup: Experiments utilized a 750 mL cylindrical batch glass reactor, with electrodes positioned vertically and parallel, separated by a 1.5 cm gap.
- Operational Environment: All tests were performed at room temperature (25 ± 1 °C) with continuous agitation via a magnetic stirrer set at 250 rpm.
- Parameter Optimization: The study focused on optimizing four variables:
- Current Density (j): 50 to 200 A/m2.
- Initial pH: 3.6 to 9.6.
- Initial Phenol Concentration (Ci): 100 to 800 mg/L.
- Supporting Electrolyte (NaCl) Concentration (SEc): 2 to 6 g/L.
- Performance Measurement: Phenol removal was quantified using UV-vis spectrophotometry (500 nm). Energy consumption and operating costs were calculated based on applied current, voltage, and reaction time.
6CCVD Solutions & Capabilities
Section titled â6CCVD Solutions & Capabilitiesâ6CCVD is uniquely positioned to supply the high-performance Boron-Doped Diamond materials and custom electrode configurations required to replicate, scale, and advance this critical electrochemical wastewater treatment research.
Applicable Materials for Electrochemical Oxidation
Section titled âApplicable Materials for Electrochemical OxidationâThe research relies entirely on the stability and high oxidative power of the BDD anode. 6CCVD offers specialized MPCVD diamond materials tailored for extreme electrochemical environments:
- Heavy Boron-Doped Polycrystalline Diamond (BDD-PCD): Ideal for high-current density applications like electrooxidation. Our BDD films are engineered for high conductivity and maximum hydroxyl radical generation, ensuring long service life and high current efficiency, crucial for minimizing the SEC observed in the study (420 kWh/kg phenol).
- Conductive Substrates: The paper utilized a Niobium (Nb) substrate (1.5 mm thickness). 6CCVD routinely deposits BDD films onto various conductive refractory metals, including Niobium (Nb), Tantalum (Ta), and Molybdenum (Mo), allowing researchers to select the optimal substrate for their specific reactor design and corrosion resistance needs.
Customization Potential & Manufacturing Precision
Section titled âCustomization Potential & Manufacturing PrecisionâThe success of this EO process depends on precise electrode dimensions and material integration. 6CCVDâs advanced manufacturing capabilities directly address these needs:
| Research Requirement | 6CCVD Capability | Value Proposition |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Dimensions | Plates/wafers up to 125 mm (PCD). | We can supply BDD electrodes in the exact rectangular format (e.g., 20 cm x 6 cm) or larger inch-size wafers for pilot-scale reactors. |
| Substrate Thickness | Substrates available up to 10 mm thick. | We can precisely match the 1.5 mm Nb substrate thickness used in the study, ensuring consistent electrical and mechanical properties. |
| Metalization/Integration | Internal capability for Au, Pt, Pd, Ti, W, Cu. | While the study used SS as a cathode, 6CCVD can provide custom metalization layers or contacts (e.g., Ti/Pt/Au) on the diamond or substrate for enhanced connectivity and corrosion resistance in complex cell designs. |
| Surface Finish | Polishing capability (Ra < 5 nm for inch-size PCD). | High-quality polishing ensures uniform current distribution and maximizes the active surface area (0.012 m2 in the study) for consistent radical generation. |
| Global Logistics | Global shipping (DDU default, DDP available). | Reliable, secure delivery of sensitive diamond electrodes worldwide, supporting international research efforts. |
Engineering Support
Section titled âEngineering Supportâ6CCVDâs in-house PhD team specializes in the material science of diamond electrodes for electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs). We can assist researchers and engineers with:
- Material Selection: Optimizing boron doping levels and film thickness (SCD or PCD, 0.1 ”m to 500 ”m) to achieve the highest possible anode efficiency (η, 1.74 g phenol/Ahm2) for specific wastewater matrices.
- Scale-Up Consultation: Providing technical guidance on transitioning from the lab-scale 750 mL batch reactor to continuous flow industrial systems, ensuring cost-effective operation at high current densities (up to 200 A/m2).
- Lifetime Analysis: Assisting in the design of electrodes for maximum stability and service life, critical for minimizing the total operating cost (OC) in long-term industrial Phenol Degradation projects.
For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.
View Original Abstract
The rapid increase in global population and industrialization has led to increased environmental pollution, primarily due to insufficient treatment technologies and the depletion of freshwater resources. This research investigates the impact of the electrooxidation (EO) process using Boron Doped Diamond (BDD) anode on phenol degradation, energy consumption, total operating costs, and anode efficiency. The study was carried out on different current densities (j = 50-200 A/m2), initial pH (3.6-9.6), initial phenol concentration (Ci = 100-800 mg/L), and supporting electrolyte concentration (SEc = 2-6 g NaCl/L). The phenol removal efficiency under optimum conditions (anode = BDD, j = 200 A/m2, initial pH = 7.6, Cphenol = 100 mg/L, and SEc = 4 g NaCl/L) was determined to be 100% after 50 min of EO reaction time. However, the energy consumption and total operating cost under these conditions were 12.7 kWh/m3 (420 kWh/kg phenol) and 0.99 $/m3 (7.88 $/kg phenol), respectively. Moreover, BDD anode efficiencies were calculated as 6.39, 3.47, and 1.74 g phenol/Ahm2 at current densities of 50, 100, and 200 A/m2, respectively. Consequently, the EO process is a more cost-effective treatment approach for efficient phenol removal from an aqueous solution.