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Reduction of 2,4‐Dinitrotoluene with Graphite and Titanium Mesh Cathodes
Author(s) -
Jolas J.L.,
Pehkonen S.O.,
Maloney S.W.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
water environment research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.356
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1554-7531
pISSN - 1061-4303
DOI - 10.2175/106143000x137266
Subject(s) - degradation (telecommunications) , graphite , titanium , cathode , azoxy , electrochemistry , chemistry , electrode , chemical engineering , materials science , nuclear chemistry , organic chemistry , telecommunications , computer science , engineering
Electrochemical degradation of 2,4‐dinitrotoluene (DNT) in a bench‐scale reactor was studied, and a number of parameters including dissolved oxygen, current, voltage, and electrode shape and material were investigated. Quantified rates of degradation ranged from 0.003 to 0.008 min −1 for graphite and 0.003 to 0.06 min −1 for titanium. Products of degradation were identified as diaminotoluene (DAT) and azoxy dimers and, in some cases, were also quantified. An azoxy dimer was found only in experiments with dissolved oxygen, and regioselectivity favoring the first reduction at the para position was evident based on product studies. Degradation studies using a graphite rod cathode were mass‐transfer limited, while degradation studies using titanium mesh wire were not. The material of the electrode had a strong influence on degradation rates and on the way that different water quality parameters affect the rate of 2,4‐DNT degradation.