Electrocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants from Water

In recent years, the electrooxidation process has developed as an alternative option for the degradation of organic load from water, due to its main advantages related to environmental compatibility, versatility, high energy efficiency, amenability of automation and safety, and cost-effectiveness. The principles and the fundamental aspects of electrooxidation in terms of electrochemical conversion and incineration are discussed, and the role of the anode is underlined. Two types of anodes, carbon-based and the dimensionally stable anode (DSA), are presented related to the degradation of organic pollutants from water, which belong to the priority pollutants list and to the emerging pollutants class, as well. The potential of the advanced electrooxidation process for application to drinking water treatment is also discussed, taking into account the final disinfection stage of water as well as the advanced oxidation stage dedicated to the degradation of organic pollutants. The main indicators for the assessment of the anode and the oxidation process performance are discussed from the technical economic point of view. The electrochemical filtering process is discussed as an electrooxidation-derived hybrid process directly linked to the electrode composition and configuration and the reactor design. The integration of the electrooxidation process within the water treatment flow is discussed considering the main challenges and the opportunities in practical applications.