NiTiO3 nanoparticles: An environmental game changer in electro-Fenton wastewater remediation

Background

In the face of escalating water pollution challenges, the study explores the efficacy of Electro-Fenton (EF) treatment using NiTiO₃ perovskite-modified cathodes for methylene blue (MB) removal from wastewater.

Methods

Employing a Central Composite Design (CCD) methodology, significant factors influencing the EF process, including initial MB concentration, pH, applied current, and reaction time, were optimized. The NiTiO₃ catalyst was meticulously characterized, revealing its rhombohedral crystal structure, uniform particle distribution, and efficient charge transfer properties.

Findings

Electrochemical analyses demonstrated the superior performance of the NiTiO₃/Graphite electrode, emphasizing its increased electroactive sites, enhanced oxygen reduction capability, and reduced charge transfer resistance compared to the bare Graphite electrode. The EF process was finely tuned, demonstrating a 95.38 % removal efficiency of MB at optimal conditions (initial concentration: 25 mg L⁻¹, pH: 4.5, current: 40 mA, time: 110 min). This study underscores the promising potential of NiTiO₃-modified cathodes in advanced water treatment applications, highlighting their robust efficiency and environmental significance in combating persistent organic pollutants.