Performance Study of ACET/PTFE Modified Graphite Felt Electrode for Electrocatalytic H2O2 Reaction

Abstract

Multiphase electro-Fenton is considered as a promising technology for the degradation of organic pollutants, and in order to ensure its effectiveness and to make it cheaper and easier, this study develops novel cathodes for in situ H2O2 generation. Graphite felt (RGF) modified by acetylene black (ACET)/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was selected to prepare a superhydrophobic electrode (APGF), and the effects of each factor of ACET:PTFE, oxygen flux, and current density on the production of H2O2 were investigated, and the rate of H2O2 production under the optimized conditions of the experiment was 35.96 mg h−1 cm−2 which can meet the requirements of Electro-Fenton technology. The physicochemical characterization of RGF and APGF electrodes was analyzed, and the electrocatalytic performance was evaluated by using an electrochemical workstation to test APGF (7:1 ∼ 1:3). Probing the mechanism analysis, the APGF electrode surface is hydrophobic and the C/F functional groups synergize to increase the reactive sites and improve the reactivity and selectivity. Dissolved oxygen in the electrolyte diffused to the active center on the cathode surface escaped from the liquid phase, forming a new phase with bubble adsorption for easier activation, and e-conjugated H+ to produce *OOH intermediates, and then e-conjugated H+ to obtain H2O2.