Abstract
Ti/TiOx foams were obtained from plasma spraying technique using different porous Ti substrates. They were then applied for removal of organic pollutants from water by electro-oxidation. Effectiveness of these anodes was investigated using linear sweep voltammetry, probe molecules, quenchers and model pollutants. It was emphasized that surface morphology should allow for homogeneous coating of the surface in order to promote non-selective "OH-mediated oxidation of recalcitrant organic pollutants. Porous structure was also the key parameter for mass transport enhancement. Coarse roughness with characteristic scale that is larger than the diffusion boundary layer was more suitable in stirred-tank reactor. Flow-through application of Ti/TiOx foam further enhanced mass transport and allowed for 3.9-and 1.9-times enhancement of the degradation kinetic of paracetamol compared to Ti/TiOx plate and BDD plate, respectively. This work gives new insights on the role of porous structure of substrate for development and application of suitable electrodes in water treatment.
NSTL