Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, Vol.36, No.4, 433-439, 2006
Oxidation of p-methoxyphenol on SnO2-Sb2O5 electrodes: Effects of electrode potential and concentration on the mineralization efficiency
The oxidation of p-methoxyphenol in aqueous solution on antimony-doped tin oxide has been studied, and the effects of applied potential and initial PMP concentration upon the oxidation rate have been identified. The concentration decay of PMP during its electrooxidation follows first-order reaction kinetics. Analysis solution during electrolysis using UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed that under some experimental conditions partial oxidation of PMP occurs. The principal products were p-benzoquinone and aliphatic (maleic and oxalic) acids. The Faradaic efficiencies for oxidation at different applied potentials were determined from the UV-Vis spectra obtained. It is shown that production of CO2 was very low at potentials below 2.3 V with respect to the saturated calomel electrode, and that at more positive potentials mineralization to CO2 decreased as the concentration of PMP in solution increased.