A novel approach for textile dye degradation by zinc, iron–doped tin oxide/titanium moving anode

The present contribution reports a moving iron (Fe), zinc (Zn)–doped tin oxide/titanium (SnO₂/Ti) anodebased system designed and operated for the electro-oxidation of methyl orange dye effluent. Electrochemical oxidation of the dye was carried out at a current density of 1.8 A/dm² for 120 min. Similar experiments were repeated with pure SnO₂-based static and moving anode-based systems and the Fe, Zn-doped SnO₂ static anode-based electro-oxidation system. Post oxidation, the surface of the electrodes was critically examined by scanning electron microscopy. Dye samples were analysed at regular intervals during the electro-oxidation process by chemical oxygen demand and colour removal measurements and characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy at the end of the oxidation process. The obtained results elucidate the superiority of Fe, Zn-doped SnO₂/Ti moving anode-based system for methyl orange dye effluent electro-oxidation. The moving anode prevents passive layer formation and decreases polarization resistance. Doping of Fe and Zn provides the anode-enhanced mechanical strength and electrocatalytic activity. The combined effects of axial anode movement and doping are responsible for improved performance of the moving anode system reported in this contribution.

Keywords
Electrochemical treatment; SnO₂-doped electrodes; Methyl orange; Chemical oxygen demand (COD); Scanning electron microscopy (SEM); Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)