Oxidative degradation of Basic Black 3 by electro-generated Fenton’s reagent using carbon fiber cathode

In this study, electro-Fenton (EF) process was used for the decolorization and mineralization of Basic Black 3 (BB3) (a popular textile dye), and the treatment performance of carbon fiber was investigated as a different cathode material to in situ electro-generated H₂O₂. Total organic carbon (TOC) and color removal were selected as performance indicators of the process. For this purpose, some operational parameters such as pH, Fe²⁺ concentration, current, oxygen flow rate, and supporting electrolyte concentration were optimized, and the best treatment conditions were found as 3, 100 mg/L, 200 mA, 0.5 L/min, and 50 mM, respectively. At these optimum conditions, complete color removal and 39.1 % TOC removals were achieved in 100 min of electrolysis time. The results obtained from the study indicate that EF process can mineralize and decolorize BB3, therefore, it can be selected as a pre-treatment technology before different conventional treatment methods for reducing toxicity and enhancing the biodegradability of wastewater. According to the results, carbon fiber cathode may offer a wastewater treatment alternative by electrochemical technologies.