Electrochemical method for wet removal of phosphine

The removal of phosphine (PH 3 ) was studied with an electrochemical approach using a Ti/SnO 2 anode. The effects of the current density, O 2 content, gas flow rate, temperature, and type of electrolyte on the PH 3 removal were investigated. The liquid phase reaction products were detected by ion chromatography. It was observed that PH 3 was effectively removed in the electrochemical reactor and phosphate (PO 4 3− ) existed in solution after reaction. Increasing current density, oxygen content and reaction temperature can enhance the removal of PH 3 . 0ver 85% PH 3 was removed with an operation condition of current density of 53.05 mA/dm 2 , 65°C, 4.6 vol % O 2 and gas flow rate of 200 mL/min in 0.1 mol/L Na 2 SO 4 aqueous solution. Chosen Na 2 SO 4 as electrolyte, removal efficiency remained stability and it would be conducive to the recovery of phosphate (PO 4 3‐ ). The gas flow rate influence is remarkably clear in the reactor where it was evident that the most efficient gas flow rate toward a 90% PH 3 removal was reached at 50 mL/min. Electrochemical oxidation will be a potential method for the PH 3 removal because of its low cost, long duration removal efficiency and the valuable hydrogen byproduct produced. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1640–1646, 2015