Application of electro-Fenton treatment for the elimination of 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium triflate from polluted water

摘要: Abstract The presence of emerging contaminants like ionic liquids in the environment is prompting search new methods to remove them from environments. To our knowledge, there are only few studies reported literature regarding application electro-Fenton solve this problem. Nonetheless, during last years it has demonstrated great effectiveness on elimination wide diversity pollutants. For reason, study focus degradation a commonly used imidazolium liquid 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium triflate ([C4mim][CF3SO3]) by technology. Initial trials were performed using different supporting electrolytes, including NaNO3, Na2SO4 or NaCl. Voltammetric carried out order elucidate behavior studied pollutant at anode surface each tested electrolyte. Comparative experiments pointed NaNO3 (0.025 M) as one yielding higher mineralization and rates. Thus, [C4mim][CF3SO3], was completely degraded after 120 min with 87% TOC reduction 240 min. Moreover, these results can be improved increase concentration (0.075 M) complete attained shorter treatment time. analysis ascertained results, showing faster under use NaNO3. Differential Pulse Voltammetry media revealed strong interaction between fluoride anion iron present medium formation complex them. Finally, HPLC GC/MS permitted follow main intermediates formed along treatment, thus proposing plausible pathway [C4mim][CF3SO3].