Electro-Fenton wastewater treatment equipment is primarily based on the principles of Fenton catalytic oxidation, representing an advanced oxidation process used for the degradation and treatment of high-concentration, toxic, and organic wastewater.
The Fenton reagent method was invented by the French scientist Fenton in 1894. The essence of the Fenton reagent reaction is the catalytic generation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) from H2O2 in the presence of Fe2+. Research on electro-Fenton technology began in the 1980s as a way to overcome the limitations of traditional Fenton methods and enhance water treatment efficiency. Electro-Fenton technology involves the continuous production of Fe2+ and H2O2 through electrochemical means, with both immediately reacting to generate highly active hydroxyl radicals, leading to the degradation of organic compounds.
Essentially, it directly generates Fenton reagents during the electrolysis process. The fundamental principle of the electro-Fenton reaction is the dissolution of oxygen on the surface of a suitable cathode material, leading to the electrochemical generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The produced H2O2 can then react with Fe2+ catalyst in the solution to produce a potent oxidizing agent, hydroxyl radicals (•OH), through the Fenton reaction. The production of •OH through the electro-Fenton process has been confirmed through chemical probe tests and spectroscopic techniques, such as spin trapping. In practical applications, the non-selective strong oxidation ability of •OH is exploited to effectively remove recalcitrant organic compounds.
O2 + 2H+ + 2e → H2O2;
H2O2 + Fe2+ → [Fe(OH)2]2+ → Fe3+ + •OH + OH-.
Electro-Fenton technology is primarily applicable in the pretreatment of leachate from landfill, concentrated liquids, and industrial wastewater from industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, pesticide, dyeing, textile, and electroplating. It can be used in conjunction with electrocatalytic advanced oxidation equipment to significantly improve the biodegradability of wastewater while removing CODCr. Additionally, it is used for deep treatment of leachate from landfill, concentrated liquids, and industrial wastewater from chemical, pharmaceutical, pesticide, dyeing, textile, electroplating, etc., directly reducing CODCr to meet discharge standards. It can also be combined with “pulsed electro-Fenton equipment” to reduce overall operational costs.
Post time: Sep-07-2023
