Using GDE modified with mixed Ru-Nb oxides for Ciprofloxacin degradation via the electro-Fenton process and its prediction model

Ciprofloxacin (CPF) is an antibiotic widely used for treating animals and humans; when discarded into the environment, the residues of this drug cause negative effects on human and animal health and the ecosystem. The present study evaluated the application of the new carbon-based material modified with Ru-Nb oxides for H2O2 generation through electrochemical techniques, and using the best-modified material, 5.0 % Ru05Nb95O/C, for CPF degradation. The application of 5.0 % Ru05Nb95O/C for CPF degradation at the current density of 100 mA cm-2 for 120 min resulted in the degradation of approximately 100 % CPF, with the removal of 60 % of total organic carbon. The application of 0.07 mmol L-1 Fe2+ at higher current densities with an increase in degra-dation time to 720 min led to total carbon removal of approximately 100 %. Lastly, a stochastic model for predicting the time required to obtain high removals of organic matter was proposed and confirmed by long-term degradation experiments.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the application of a new carbon-based material modified with Ru-Nb oxides for H2O2 generation and CPF degradation. The best-modified material, 5.0% Ru05Nb95O/C, achieved approximately 100% CPF degradation and 60% removal of total organic carbon. Higher current densities and longer degradation times resulted in nearly 100% total carbon removal. A stochastic model for predicting organic matter removal time was proposed and confirmed.