A three-dimensional electrochemical oxidation system with α-Fe2O3/PAC as the particle electrode for ammonium nitrogen wastewater treatment

Abstract

A three-dimensional particle electrode loaded with α-Fe₂O₃ on powdered activated carbon (PAC) (α-Fe₂O₃/PAC) was synthesized by the microwave method for removing ammonium nitrogen from wastewater in a three-dimensional electrode system. The α-Fe₂O₃/PAC electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The effect of the added α-Fe₂O₃/PAC on the removal of ammonium nitrogen from simulated wastewater was studied by changing the cell voltage, particle dosage, and particle electrode synthesis conditions. Simulated experiments were also carried out on different pollutants under the best experimental conditions and the actual domestic sewage was tested. The results show that the optimal synthesis conditions of the particle electrode are as follows: the ratio of PAC to anhydrous FeCl₃ is 1 : 2, and the microwave power is 1000 W for 60 s. After 20 min of electrolysis at 20 V, the ammonium nitrogen removal rate can reach 95.30%.