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Using an Innovative Concentric Cube Electrochemical Reactor for High-Efficiency H 2 O 2 Production and Atrazine Degradation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide This study reports the optimization of a continuous-flow electrochemical reactor with concentric cube geometry designed for the in-situ production of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). The system, developed using a Printex L6 carbon-based gas diffusion electrode (GDE), was optimized and applied for high-efficiency H 2 O 2 generation and the remediation of atrazine (ATZ) contaminated water. The initial analysis of different volumetric flow rates (200, 400, and 800 mL min –1 ) showed that the rate of 400 mL min –1 offered the best balance between H 2 O 2 production efficiency, energy consumption (7.57 kWh kg –1 ), and current efficiency (78.1%). A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was applied for the analysis of the effects of current density, electrolyte concentration, oxygen flow rate, and pH. The CCRD model exhibited high predictive accuracy ( R 2 > 0.96), with current density and pH identified as the most influential factors. With a working volume of 1 L, under optimal conditions (0.075 mol L –1 K 2 SO 4, 20 mA cm –2, 0.05 L min –1 O 2, pH 5), 848 mg L –1 of H 2 O 2 were generated in 30 min. Among the oxidative processes tested, the combined AO/e-H 2 O 2 /UVC treatment recorded >90% ATZ removal and >23% mineralization in 30 min, evidencing a strong synergistic effect attributed to UVC-induced H 2 O 2 photolysis and hydroxyl radical formation. LC-MS/MS analysis confirmed the formation of 11 oxidative intermediates, where the degradation pathways were found to involve dechlorination, N-dealkylation, and cleavage of the s-triazine ring. The results of this study highlight the application potential of innovative reactor designs for efficient H 2 O 2 electrogeneration and sustainable mitigation of persistent organic pollutants.

Source: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research

DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.6c00181

Authors: Andre Luis Carvalho Souza, Raul José Alves Felisardo, Robson da Silva Souto, Renata Colombo, Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos Lanza

Institutions: Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Química de São Carlos

Language: English

Topic: Advanced oxidation water treatment

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500