Efficient Electrochemical Removal of Ammonia with Various Cathodes and Ti/RuO₂-Pt Anode

Yaning Wang, Xu Guo, Jinglu Li, Yingnan Yang, Zhongfang Lei, Zhenya Zhang

Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.

DOI: 10.4236/ojapps.2012.24036                

Abstract

Electrochemical oxidation of ammonia was studied with an objective to enhance the selectivity of ammonia to nitrogen gas and to remove the by-products in an undivided electrochemical cell, in which various cathodes and Ti/RuO ₂-Pt anode were assembled. In the present study, anodic oxidation of ammonia and cathodic reduction of by-products were achieved, especially with Cu/Zn as cathode. In the presence of 1.0 g/L NaCl the ammonia-N decreased from 100.0 to 0 after 120 min electrolysis at current density of 30 mA/cm², and no nitrite was detected in the treated solution. The lowest amount of nitrate was formed with Cu/Zn as cathode during electrolysis due to its high reduction ability. Initial pH range from 7 and 9 and uncontrolled temperature were favorable for electrochemical ammonia oxidation and the ammonia oxidation rates with Cu/Zn cathode was higher than that with Ti and Fe cathode. The reduction rate increased with increasing current density in the range of 5 - 50 mA/cm². As ammonia could be completely removed by the simultaneous oxidation and reduction in this study, it is suitable for deep treatment of ammonia polluted water.

Keywords

Electrochemical Oxidation; Ammonia; Nitrate; Cu/Zn; Sodium Chloride

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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