Elimination of chloramphenicol through electro-fenton-like reaction: Reaction mechanism and electron transfer pathway

Abstract An electro-Fenton-like reaction process relying on peroxymonosulfate activation can stably degrade chloramphenicol (CAP) within 16 min, where the kinetic rate constant be as high 0.089 min −1 and energy consumption value low 25.1 kWh•m^ −3 . Evidence indicated that use of a Na 2 SO 4 solution electrolyte enhance CAP degradation due to rapid electron transfer properties. The generated electrons active free radicals are responsible for degradation, transferred from highest occupied molecular orbital lowest unoccupied via PbO electrode. Density functional theory calculations based Fukui index analysis elucidated key attack sites in CAP; moreover, reaction-free shed light potential pathways. Not only does this study afford an insight into organic pollutant but also provides innovative technology with applications wastewater purification.