Mercury-Modified Carbon Paste Electrode for Enhanced Electrochemical Fenton Process in the Degradation of Toxic Organic Compounds

Oukbab, Mustapha; Enasraouy, Maria; Oubaouz, Mohamed; Najih, Rachida; Chtaini, Abdelilah

doi:10.22034/abec.2025.725954

Mercury-Modified Carbon Paste Electrode for Enhanced Electrochemical Fenton Process in the Degradation of Toxic Organic Compounds

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mustapha Oukbab

Maria Enasraouy

Mohamed Oubaouz

Rachida Najih

Abdelilah Chtaini

Molecular Electrochemistry & Inorganic Materials Team, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sultan Moulay Slimane University

10.22034/abec.2025.725954

Abstract

This study presents the development and characterization of a novel mercury-modified carbon paste electrode (Hg-CPE) for the electrochemical enhancement of the Fenton reaction to degrade toxic organic compounds. The modification was achieved through electrodeposition of mercury at a controlled potential of 0.1 V on the carbon paste electrode surface. The resulting Hg-CPE demonstrated superior electrochemical properties compared to the unmodified electrode, including enhanced electron transfer kinetics and improved catalytic activity toward the Fenton reaction. Electrochemical techniques including cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry were employed to characterize the electrode and evaluate its performance in the electro-Fenton process. The Hg-CPE exhibited exceptional stability and reproducibility, with significant catalytic effects on hydrogen peroxide activation, leading to enhanced hydroxyl radical generation. This modification significantly improved the degradation efficiency of model organic pollutants compared to conventional Fenton processes. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the development of efficient electrochemical platforms for advanced oxidation processes, offering promising applications in wastewater treatment technologies for the removal of recalcitrant organic contaminants.

Keywords

Fenton reaction

Organic compounds treatment

Modified electrodes

Cyclic voltammetry

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Subjects