Novel nanomaterials, such as carbon nanofibers (CNFs), present a unique opportunity to advance electrochemical drinking water treatment through better performing materials. To this end, we have fabricated electrospun CNF-TiO2 composite electrodes with high surface area, conductivity, chemical stability, and mechanical strength for use in electrochemical water treatment applications. The CNF-TiO2 electrodes were characterized with potentiostatic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (PEIS) to determine their electrical conductivity. To minimize their overall resistance, CNF-TiO2 composition and post-fabrication processing (e.g., carbonization temperature) was optimized. For the optimized CNF-TiO2 electrode, we have demonstrated the transformation of emerging organic pollutants via direct electrochemical (applied potential) and photoelectrochemical (UV/Vis radiation + applied potential) processes at circumneutral pH. Outcomes of this work will help identify the types and properties of next-generation electrode materials that are most promising for improving electrochemical water treatment systems.

Characterizing and optimizing electrospun composite carbon nanofiber (CNF) electrodes for electrochemical transformation of emerging drinking water pollutants

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.