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Heterogeneous Electro-Fenton Process by MWCNT-Ce/WO3 Nanocomposite Modified GF Cathode for Catalytic Degradation of BTEX: Process Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology

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Abstract

This study investigates the degradation and mineralization of BTEX by heterogeneous electro-Fenton process using GO/MWCNT/Fe3O4 as a catalyst and MWCNT-Ce/WO3/GF as an electrode. The nanoscale MWCNT-Ce/WO3 composite catalyst was distributed more evenly on GF surface to form a catalyst layer with higher oxygen reduction reaction performance. After optimization of pH and time variables, the Box–Behnken experimental design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to design and optimize the performance of proposed system and energy consumption. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the quadratic model was adequately fitted to the experimental data with R2 (0.98) and adj-R2 (0.97). The significance levels of linear and interaction effects of the reaction parameters on process efficiency were obtained. Then, the optimization of the working conditions for the design of a sustainable treatment system with optimum efficiency was carried out using a response surface methodology. The experiment carried out in the calculated optimal conditions for the electro-Fenton degradation process (current intensity 300 mA, catalyst dosage of 0.6 g, initial BTEX concentration of 100 ppm, and electrode distance of 1 cm) showed a BTEX removal of 73.2% and energy consumption of 12.3 (kWh/m3) close to the theoretical value predicted by the model 73. 2% and 11.8 (kWh/m3), respectively. Furthermore, the reusability test of GO/MWCNT/Fe3O4 nanocomposite after several cycles confirmed the high catalytic activities of adsorbent. Comparing the proposed system with conventional GF electrode and Fe2+ catalyst showed that modification of cathode and catalyst led to increasing COD removal efficiency by around 36.6 and 31.6%, respectively. The findings of present study revealed that the proposed heterogeneous electro-Fenton process can be utilized as pre-treatment technology to improve the biodegradability and reduce the organic load of wastewater by combine oxidation and coagulation.

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  1. Chemical Engineering Department, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

    Mohammad Ranjbar, Nasrollah Majidian & Mohammad Samipourgiri

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  1. Mohammad Ranjbar
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Ranjbar, M., Majidian, N. & Samipourgiri, M. Heterogeneous Electro-Fenton Process by MWCNT-Ce/WO3 Nanocomposite Modified GF Cathode for Catalytic Degradation of BTEX: Process Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology. Electrocatalysis 10, 628–642 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12678-019-00550-5

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