Electrochemical decomposition of bisphenol A using Pt/Ti and SnO2/Ti anodes

Methodology for the electrochemical decomposition of bisphenol A is described. The electrochemical behaviour of bisphenol A at a Pt electrode was investigated by means of cyclic voltammetric techniques. The electrochemical oxidation of bisphenol A led to the deactivation of the electrode as a result of the deposition of an electropolymerized film. However the electrochemical decomposition of bisphenol A could be achieved by the use of a platinum coated titanium (Pt/Ti) electrode and a tin dioxide coated (SnO2/Ti) electrode. The electrolysis was carried out galvanostatically at a constant current of 0.3 A. The mineralization of bisphenol A was monitored by determining the amount of total organic carbon. Furthermore, the generation and nature of intermediates produced in the electrochemical reactions was investigated. Although large amounts of aliphatic acids were generated by electrolysis with the Pt/Ti anode, they were produced only to a small extent in at the SnO2/Ti anode. In the case of the SnO2/Ti anode, bisphenol A is rapidly oxidized to carbon dioxide and water, compared to the Pt/Ti anode.