Conductive Carbon-Ceramic Foam Filters Modified by Nanofillers as Electrode Materials for Electrolysis/Photoelectrolysis

Carbon-ceramic foam filters modified with photoactive fillers have been developed as cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly electrode materials for photoelectrochemical processes. The manufacturing process involves mixing α-Al203 ceramic powder with crushed sintering coal, crushed organic coal binder, aqueous silicic acid sol, and sodium lignosulfonate. Additionally, 5% wt. of potassium hexavanadate and titanium oxide are added to induce high activity for electrooxidation. The resulting mass is coated with polymer foams and baked at high temperatures in an oxygen-free atmosphere.<br/>The resulting carbon-ceramic foam filter has a developed surface that improves surface oxidation and generates turbulence in the open pores structure. This leads to a significant increase in the mass transfer coefficient, resulting in greater current efficiencies and lower energy consumption. The anodes exhibit high repeatability, reproducibility, and corrosion stability. SEM images and Raman spectroscopy analysis show that the photoactive fillers are well-dispersed and uniformly distributed in the composite matrix.<br/>The developed carbon-ceramic foam filters modified with TiO₂ and KVO were tested as anode materials for electrolysis supported by photodegradation in Xe arc lamp to simulate sunlight. The oxidation of caffeine was promoted by hydroxyl radicals generated via the oxidation of water on the anode surface. The efficiency of the degradation of caffeine was analyzed via UV-Vis spectroscopy. The repeatability, durability, and ability of modified carbon-ceramic foam were also evaluated. Overall, the mechanical and chemical stability of these composites make them ideal for electrochemical applications as highly developed surface anode materials for wastewater treatment. The use of carbon-ceramic foam filters modified with photoactive fillers offers a promising alternative to traditional electrode materials.<br/><br/><br/>Acknowledgements<br/>This work was supported by The National Centre for Research and Development under project i-CLARE<br/>number NOR/POLNOR/i-CLARE/0038/2019-00