Development of a novel graphitic carbon nitride and multiwall carbon nanotube co-doped Ti/PbO2 anode for electrocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen

Chemosphere. 2021 May:271:129830. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129830. Epub 2021 Feb 2.

Abstract

In this work, we have constructed a novel graphitic carbon nitride/multiwall carbon nanotube (GCN/CNT) doped Ti/PbO2 as anode for highly effective degradation of acetaminophen (ACE) wastewater. The ACE removal efficiency of 83.2% and chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency of 76.3% are achieved under the optimal condition of temperature 25 °C, initial pH 7, current density 15 mA cm-2 and Na2SO4 concentration 6.0 g L-1. The excellent electrocatalytic activity of Ti/PbO2-GCN-CNT anode for ACE oxidation is ascribed to the effective suppression of oxygen evolution and the enhanced electron transfer after introducing GCN and CNT. Furthermore, Ti/PbO2-GCN-CNT electrode displays excellent stability and reusability. ACE degradation is accomplished by direct oxidation and indirect oxidation, and ∙OH radical plays primary role in the indirect oxidation of ACE wastewater. The intermediates of ACE degradation are detailly investigated using LC-MS analysis and a possible degradation mechanism is proposed.

Keywords: Acetaminophen pharmaceutical wastewater; Degradation mechanism; Electrocatalytic degradation; Parameter optimization; Ti/PbO(2)-GCN-CNT electrode.

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen
  • Electrodes
  • Graphite
  • Nanotubes, Carbon*
  • Nitrogen Compounds
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxides
  • Titanium
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis

Substances

  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Nitrogen Compounds
  • Oxides
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • graphitic carbon nitride
  • Acetaminophen
  • Graphite
  • Titanium