Evaluation of the formation of oxidants and by-products using Pt/Ti, RuO₂/Ti, and IrO₂/Ti electrodes in the electrochemical process

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the formation of oxidants and by-products by using different electrode materials, such as Pt/Ti, RuO₂/Ti, and IrO₂/Ti, in the electrochemical process. The harmful by-products and were formed during the electrolysis of a Cl⁻ electrolyte solution, as well as active chlorine, which is the most common water disinfectant. With regard to drinking water treatment, the most efficient electrode was defined as that leading to a higher formation of active chlorine and a lower formation of hazardous by-products. Overall, it was found that the Pt/Ti electrode should not be used for drinking water treatment applications, while the IrO₂/Ti and RuO₂/Ti electrodes are ideal for use.

Keywords:

• electrochemical
• electrode material
• active chlorine
• chlorate
• perchlorate

Acknowledgements

This work is supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIP) (2013R1A2A2A05006466) and Korea Ministry of Education (MOE) as ‘BK21 PLUS Project’.

Supplemental data

for this article can be accessed at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09593330.2014.946098.