PNNL

Abstract

In this paper, we report on the synthesis, characterization, and use of ruthenium oxide (RuO2) doped with a secondary metal (M2) to enhance electrochemical activity and stability for the electrocatalytic oxidation (ECO) of biomass-derived wastewaters. We used different electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical surface area (ECSA), and Tafel analysis as well as physical characterization such as grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to understand how the introduction of M2 affects electrochemical performance. Our results show that including an M2 improves the ECO performance regardless of the composition of the electrolyte. Specifically, we saw increase in ECSA, which could be due to enhanced charge transfer for the pH ranges evaluated. Furthermore, the introduction of organic compounds in wastewater generated during the hydrothermal liquefaction of food waste affected the ECO performance differently, depending on M2, the electrolyte composition, and anodic half-cell potential, highlighting the need to properly control the reaction conditions when testing and characterizing the electrocatalysts under different reaction regimes. We developed an in situ electrocatalytic benchmarking protocol, Boruah – Lopez-Ruiz – Strange (BLoRS), to quickly assess if the presence of M2 improves the ECO performance; thus, saving time and resources in ex situ characterization, testing, and product analysis. This foundational work provides the basis for characterization and benchmarking of electrodes of the ECO of organic compounds.