Boosted Electrocatalytic Degradation of Levofloxacin by Chloride Ions: Performances Evaluation and Mechanism Insight with Different Anodes

Abstract

As chloride (Cl−) is a commonly found anion in natural water, it has a significant impact on electrocatalytic oxidation processes; yet, the mechanism of radical transformation on different types of anodes remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the influence of chlorine-containing environments on the electrocatalytic degradation performance of levofloxacin using BDD, Ti4O7, and Ru-Ti electrodes. The comparative analysis of the electrode performance demonstrated that the presence of Cl− improved the removal and mineralization efficiency of levofloxacin on all the electrodes. The enhancement was the most pronounced on the Ti4O7 electrode and the least significant on the Ru-Ti electrode. The evaluation experiments and EPR characterization revealed that the increased generation of hydroxyl radicals and active chlorine played a major role in the degradation process, particularly on the Ti4O7 anode. The electrochemical performance tests indicated that the concentration of Cl− affected the oxygen evolution potentials of the electrode and consequently influenced the formation of hydroxyl radicals. This study elucidates the mechanism of Cl− participation in the electrocatalytic degradation of chlorine-containing organic wastewater. Therefore, the highly chlorine-resistant electrocatalytic anode materials hold great potential for the promotion of the practical application of the electrocatalytic treatment of antibiotic wastewater.

The Elimination of Levofloxacin from High-Salinity Wastewater via the Electrochlorination Process

“…The long-term existence and accumulation of LEV in water bodies pose a significant threat to human beings, aquatic organisms and the ecosystem [9]. Therefore, it is hoped that an efficient, convenient, environmentally Water 2024, 16, 1355 2 of 12 friendly, and safe wastewater treatment method can be found to reduce the environmental and health hazards posed by LEV [10].…”