Novel 3D electro-Fenton reactor based on a catalytic packed bed reactor of perovskite/carbon microelectrodes for the removal of carbamazepine in wastewater

This presents the efficacy of a 3D-ElectroFenton (3D-EF) reactor with active perovskite/carbon black/PTFE microelectrodes for the removal of carbamazepine (CZP) present in wastewater. Incorporating particle microelectrodes in the reactor enhanced the electron transfer and improved the electrocatalytic efficiency, leading to a more effective CZP removal. The optimal operational conditions were meticulously determined, including current intensity (0.05 – 0.3 A) and particle loading (0 – 1.5 g), to optimize the process and minimize energy consumption. The findings reveal that a current intensity of 0.2 A was the most effective, achieving 90% of CZP removal in 60 min and 3.86 kWh/mg of CZP. A higher current intensity of 0.3 A significantly increased the energy consumption (6.02 kWh/mg of CZP) for a total and faster CZP removal. The 3D-EF reactor was also operated continuously with ultrapure water and real urban wastewater fortified with CZP. A remarkable 62% CZP removal after 96 h on continuous operation was achieved with urban wastewater. Physicochemical and electrochemical characterization of microelectrodes demonstrated their high mechanical integrity and chemical stability. Our study underscores the potential of a 3D-EF system as a promising advanced oxidation process to address the continuous removal of antidepressant carbamazepine as one of the more resistant micropollutants of emerging concern in wastewater treatment, offering hope for a more efficient and sustainable future