Use of nano zero-valent iron to reduce inorganic species electrogenerated during anodic oxidation on boron doped diamond anodes

In this paper, the solution coming from an anodic oxidation on boron doped diamond of chloride-containing solution is treated with addition of nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) to reduce the amount of chlorinated byproducts into chloride ions. The electrolyzed solutions have been obtained under galvanostatic conditions in an undivided reactor. The evolution and depletion of all the chlorinated species have been monitored by spectrophotometry and ion chromatography. The nanoscale iron particles have been synthesized in our laboratory by a fast and facile method through reaction of FeSO4 and NaBH4 solutions without addition of dispersants. The effect on the conversion yield of several operative parameters has been investigated and discussed. The preliminary results indicate that a nZVI postreatment can be considered a viable technology for the treatment of solutions containing active chlorine and chlorate. However, the reduction of perchlorate, either in mixed solutions or alone, requires too drastic conditions to be completed.