Using the modified photo-electro-Fenton in a novel electrode baffled reactor by Al foam/TiO₂/CNT photocathode and graphite anode for dye wastewater treatment

The study of treated wastewater has proven that the use of modern treatment methods, e.g., photo-electro-Fenton, is very promising for removing complex and resistant materials that are not easily removed by traditional treatment methods. In this research, a reactor with electrode baffles was constructed. Graphite plates were used as the anodic baffle-electrode, and aluminum foams were used as the cathodic baffle-electrode. Fe₃O₄/CNT and TiO₂/CNT nanocomposites were synthesized. The TiO₂/CNT nanocomposite, acting as a catalyst, was coated onto the aluminum foam to evaluate the performance of the prepared nanocomposites in a nanocomposite-modified photo-electro-Fenton process for removing Acid Blue 25 dye (AB25). Parameters such as initial dye concentration, pH, catalyst concentration, current intensity, flow rate, and electrolyte concentration were optimized using the OFAT method. Under optimal conditions, total organic carbon, chemical oxygen demand, and dye removal efficiency were 69.91%, 80.19%, and 95.51%, respectively. LC-MS analysis showed no mass peaks related to AB25, indicating that all initial materials had been degraded to products with lower m/z ratios.