Electrooxidation of benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde on a nickel oxy-hydroxide electrode in a filter-press type cell

The electrooxidation of benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde in alkaline medium was carried out in a filter-press type cell on a nickel oxy-hydroxide electrode under different experimental conditions. An overpotential occurs in the presence of organic molecules in the solution shifting oxygen evolution towards higher potentials. The results obtained were conclusive that benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde electrooxidation on NiOOH layers yielded benzoic acid as the main final reaction product. Chromatographic analysis of the bulk solution showed that the electrocatalytic oxidation of harmful molecules was carried out until the formation of acid compounds (benzoic acid) as an ultimate stage, suggesting that a Ni anode can be used successfully for waste remediation.