Electrochemical Degradation Pathway of Phenol on Ti/SnO2 Anode

The electrochemical degradation pathway of phenol, as model organic pollutant, was investigated on antimony doped tin dioxide electrode based on titanium anode (Ti/SnO2). Many intermediates of electrochemical degradation of phenol on Ti/SnO2, were identified and quantified by HPLC. These intermediates were assured as aromatic ring-compounds (hydroquinone, catechol, benzoquinone, et al) and short chain fatty acids (maleic acid, fumaric acid, formic acid, cis muconic acid and 2-oxoglutaric acid, et al). Electrochemical degradation tests were conducted with some intermediates as substrates, including the electrochemical oxidation of formic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, acrylic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, and 2-oxaglutaric acid, et al. The degradation pathway of phenol on Ti/SnO2 anode was concluded. It is proven that the pathway relates to the element composition on the electrode surface. These findings demonstrate electrochemical degradation of organic pollutants mechanism and help to practical use of catalytic anodes materials.