Innovative sp3 carbon-based electrode materials and electrochemical reactors for degradation of mixtures of environmental pollutants (sp3Deg)

This project aims to evaluate if electrochemical (EC) degradation of veterinary drugs and pesticides (VD&P) using tailored electrochemical reactors (ECRs) with innovative sp3 carbon electrodes (sp3 CEs) can effectively and safely reduce their environmental impact and toxicity. This hypothesis will be verified by a series of studies, including development and testing of ECRs with sp3 CEs and their use to decompose mixtures of common VD&P. Among the new types of sp3 CEs, electrodes doped with phosphorus and electrodes modified with metal oxides used for degradation as active/non-active anodes will be tested. The design and operating parameters of the ECRs will be optimized based on the results of degradation studies (degradation efficiency, energy consumption, toxicity of degradation mixtures tested on cell lines and organisms). In addition to classic technologies, 3D printing will be used for their construction, and the long-term stability of the materials and contacts used will be tested. Newly developed ECRs will be used for the degradation of real wastewater from agricultural.