Electrochemical degradation of psychoactive drug caffeine in aqueous solution using graphite electrode. Issue 18 (17th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Periyasamy, Selvendiran; Muthuchamy, Muthukumar
• Is Part Of: Environmental technology. Volume 39:Issue 18(2018)
• Page Start: 2373
• Page End: 2381
• Publication Date: 2018-09-17
• Subjects: Caffeine -- COD -- TOC -- electrochemical degradation -- graphite electrode; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Environmental protection -- Periodicals; 628.05
• DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2017.1355932
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-3330

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this study, the electrochemical degradation of caffeine (1, 3, 7-trimethylxanthine) in aqueous solution by a graphite electrode was investigated. Electrochemical degradation was tested by the cyclic voltametry technique performed in the potential range of −1.0 to +1.0 V versus Ag/AgCl, which confirmed the electro-activity of the selected caffeine. The effects of the treatment process variables, such as initial pH, current density, electrolyte concentration and electrolysis time on the degradation of caffeine, were explored. During the various stages of electrolysis, parameters such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC) were analysed. The maximum COD and TOC removal efficiencies of 85% and 77% were achieved at neutral pH 7, operated at a current density of 5.1 mA/cm 2, electrolyte (Na2 SO4 ) concentration of 0.1 M and at 240 min electrolysis time. From this study, it can be concluded that the electrochemical treatment process could effectively reduce the COD and TOC from the caffeine in aqueous medium. The degradation of the caffeine was confirmed by UV spectra, IR spectra and HPLC analysis.