Electrochemical degradation of Diclofenac on catalysts based on CNT and M/CNT modified electrodes

Abstract

Diclofenac (DCF) - a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug - is one of the most frequently detected pharmaceutical compounds in the aquatic environment. Because of its negative effects on public health and environment, this emerging pollutant monitoring and removal from wastewater are of high importance. Electrochemical oxidation has attracted growing interest in the last years, due to its versatility, high efficiency and environment compatibility.Electrochemical oxidation of DCF has been studied using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT) and monometallic catalysts based on carbon nanotubes (M/CNT), at different pH media. The electroreactivity of DCF on modified electrodes and the kinetic parameters of the redox reactions were determined using cyclic voltammetry. Electrodegradation of DCF in aqueous medium was carried out using long-term electrolyses. The products of these electrolyses were identified and quantified by HPLC-MS, GC-MS, HPLC-UV-RID and IC.