Advancements of Electrochemical Removal of o-Methylphenol from Aqueous Using BDD Anode Compared to Pt One: Kinetics and Mechanism Determination

The oxidation of 216 mg/L o-methylphenol was studied in an acidic aqueous solution using Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) and platinum (Pt) anodes. o-methylphenol was oxidized by hydroxyl radicals generated on the anode used, however, there was a significant distinction betwixt the BDD and Pt anodes in the effectiveness and accomplishment of electrochemical degradation. o-methylphenol was rapidly mineralized at the BDD anode, but its degradation was much slower at the Pt anode with a Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal of 98% and 65% for BDD and Pt anodes, respectively. Using BDD anode, 3-methylcatechol, methylhydroquinone, and maleic, fumaric, pyruvic, formic, glyoxylic, succinic, oxalic, and acetic acids were detected. But, there was a formation of dark-colored polymeric compounds and precipitates in the solutions electrolyzed by the Pt anode, which was not observed for the BDD cells.