A randomly-oriented CNT network used as a flow-through electrode has been shown to be an effective electrochemically-active microfilter for water treatment purposes including virus removal and inactivation and oxidation of dyes and phenols. The high total surface area and forced electrolyte convection through the three-dimensional electrode improves mass transfer relative to conventional two-dimensional electrodes. Aqueous iron as a model soluble, non-adsorbing redox system enabled accounting of electron transfer reactions. With this well-understood redox system, we investigated how several parameters including liquid flow rate, electrolyte concentration, target molecule concentration, and cathode material affect reduction-oxidation kinetics and mechanisms in a flow-through electrochemical filter. Overall, the results quantitatively exemplify some of the advantages of using a 3D electrode in the flow-through configuration and suggest that the electrochemical filter has practical potential for water treatment, energy, and recycling applications.

Iron redox in a carbon nanotube electrochemical filter

245th National Meeting (2013)

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