Electrochemical treatment of chloramphenicol using Ti-Sn/γ-Al₂O₃ particle electrodes with a three-dimensional reactor

Three-dimensional Ti-Sn/γ-Al₂O₃ particle electrodes were prepared for the efficient degradation of chloramphenicol (CAP) in wastewater. To observe the surface morphology and structural characteristics of the Ti-Sn/γ-Al₂O₃ particle electrodes, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction were used for characterization. Parameters affecting the degradation efficiency and energy consumption of the Ti-Sn/γ-Al₂O₃ particle electrodes, such as conductivity, initial pH of wastewater, current density, air flow, and initial CAP concentration (100 mg·L⁻¹), were examined. Results showed that the optimal conditions were 0.1 A current intensity, 1.0 L·min⁻¹ air flow, 6000 μS·cm⁻¹ conductivity, and pH 6. More than 70% of CAP was degraded under the optimal conditions. Based on the reaction intermediate products identified, a possible pathway for the electrochemical oxidation of CAP by the Ti-Sn/γ-Al₂O₃ particle electrodes was proposed.