Exploring the use of carbon materials as cathodes in electrochemical advanced oxidation processes for the degradation of antibiotics

Three carbon materials from a varied origin, composition and porosity have been used as cost-effective cathodes in different electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (i.e. anodic (AO) electro-Fenton (EF) homogeneous heterogeneous catalysis modalities) for the degradation of an antibiotic (e.g., metronidazole). In general, efficiency towards pollutant increased as: AO < EF EF. The approach with iron pre-loaded cathode outperformed homogenous counterpart, despite lower amount iron. Reusability tests showed that iron-containing prepared samples CQ (carbon obtained upon steam activation) CB by H 3 PO 4 activation biomass) were stable over at least three consecutive cycles. best results attained modified iron, yielding 97% removal metronidazole after 150 min all reuses. Such better performance is related to favorable adsorption on CQ, thereby favoring close contact between generated oxidant species target antibiotic. based was tested another recalcitrant (sulfamethoxazole) real wastewater treatment plant effluent means treatment, showing good performance. • Cost-effective carbon-based elaborated carbons. Cathodes antibiotics electro-Fenton. Heterogeneous (Fe-loaded cathodes) Degradation sulfamethoxazole synthetic waters. Carboxylic acids nitrates indicated partial mineralization antibiotics.