Development of three-dimensional electrochemical systems for the degradation of persistent contaminants and disinfection

ENG- The objective of this thesis is to assess novel electrochemical techniques for the degradation of persistent organic contaminants and water disinfection, focusing on 3D system methodologies. The initial two chapters of the thesis involved the evaluation of graphite granules and activated carbon...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor: Norra, Giannis-Florjan
Tipo de recurso: tesis doctoral
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:CBUC, CESCA
Repositorio:TDR. Tesis Doctorales en Red
OAI Identifier:oai:www.tdx.cat:10803/693006
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10803/693006
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Oxidació electroquímica
Oxidación electroquímica
Electrochemical oxidation
Grafè
Grafeno
Graphene
Tractament d'aigües
Tratamiento de aguas
Water treatment
Desinfecció
Desinfección
Disinfection
Contaminants orgànics persistents
Contaminantes orgánicos persistentes
Persistent organic contaminants
contaminantes orgánicos persistentes
Reactor electroquímic de llit empacat
Reactor electroquímico de lecho empacado
Packed bed electrochemical reactor
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Descripción
Sumario:ENG- The objective of this thesis is to assess novel electrochemical techniques for the degradation of persistent organic contaminants and water disinfection, focusing on 3D system methodologies. The initial two chapters of the thesis involved the evaluation of graphite granules and activated carbon granules as particle electrodes, with an additional investigation into the impact of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) coating. Furthermore, the regeneration and reuse of particle electrodes was examined. The incorporation of particle electrodes resulted in improved removal of persistent organic contaminants from water, accompanied by a reduction in energy consumption within the system. Additionally, the inclusion of particle electrodes helped to mitigate the formation of toxic by-products typically generated in electrochemical processes involving the presence of chloride. The application of RGO coating also yielded positive outcomes, and partial regeneration of the granules was successfully achieved, enabling their reuse across multiple cycles, even in real wastewater matrices. In the final section of the thesis, graphene sponge electrodes were fabricated using a cost-effective bottom-up synthesis approach, incorporating RGO coating. These electrodes were employed as both anodes and cathodes for electrochemical disinfection, successfully eliminating E. coli without the contribution of chlorine species. Near-total eradication of E. coli was observed in both phosphate buffer and actual tap water. Additionally, the system's energy consumption was reduced through the application of intermittent current. Overall, the thesis proves the great potential of 3D electrochemical methods for the treatment of both persistent contaminants and disinfection and addresses some of the main limitations of the electrochemical methods, such as the high energy consumption, high cost of electrodes and formation of toxic by-products