Anodic oxidation of organic pollutants on a Ti/SnO2-Sb2O4 anode

A Ti/SnO2-Sb2O4 electrode was prepared by alternate Sn and Sb electrodepositions using the thermo-electrochemical method. The chemical, electrochemical, and structural characterization of the electrode was performed and it was tested in the anodic oxidation of several pollutants, phenol, ibuprofen, acid orange 7 (AO7), and diclofenac, all in aqueous 0.035 M Na2SO4 solutions at current densities of 10 and 20 mA cm(-2). After the 24 h assay, removal of chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon (TOC) and absorbance were very high, especially at the higher current density. TOC removals presented the lowest value. However, after 24 h at 20 mA cm(-2), TOC removals were: phenol-94%; ibuprofen-83%; AO7-88%; and diclofenac-73%. Combustion efficiency and instantaneous and mineralization current efficiencies were also determined.