Copper Ions Removal from Wastewater by Electrocoagulation Using Cement-based Cathode Plates

Abstract

The present work uses PEO solution to well disperse carbon fiber and identifies percolation thresholds of carbon fiber and carbon black which are used as conductive fillers. The resultant cathode plates have an average compressive strength of 27.3 MPa and flexural strength of 29.09 MPa, which demonstrate excellent mechanical properties. The Cu²⁺ removal efficiency was measured at different current densities in EC process with cement-based cathode plate, while the voltage changes were recorded. The results showed that the cement-based cathode plate operated stably and achieved 99.7% removal of 1 L of simulated wastewater with a Cu²⁺ concentration of 200 ppm at a current density of 8 mA/cm² for 1 h. Characterization of floc and tested cathode plates, SEM and EDS analyses, and repeatability testing of the tested plates demonstrate the reusability of the plates, proving that cement-based plates can effectively replace metal cathode plates, reduce the cost of EC and improve the applicability of EC devices.

Keywords

electrocoagulation / cathode plate / cement-based conductive materials / copper ions / repeatability