Reaction Mechanisms and Research Advances of Iron-Carbon Micro-Electrolysis Systems in Industrial Wastewater Treatment

Haochun Hu; Fengting Li

doi:10.54691/k1318y15

Authors

Haochun Hu
Fengting Li

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/k1318y15

Keywords:

Water treatment; Iron-carbon micro-electrolysis; Industrial wastewater; Reaction mechanisms.

Abstract

Iron-carbon micro-electrolysis (ICME) technology has been widely applied in the treatment of coking wastewater, pharmaceutical effluents, and electroplating wastewater due to its simplicity of operation, cost-effectiveness, and broad applicability. Rooted in metal corrosion electrochemistry, this technology leverages a micro-galvanic cell system formed by iron (Fe) and carbon (C), which drives synergistic pollutant removal through multiple mechanisms including redox reactions, adsorption, and co-precipitation. System performance is jointly regulated by factors such as solution pH, Fe/C ratio, aeration intensity, and reaction time. Furthermore, ICME is frequently integrated with advanced processes like Fenton oxidation and biological treatment to enhance efficiency. Nevertheless, practical applications face challenges including filler compaction, iron sludge disposal, and strong pH dependency. Future research should focus on optimizing electrode stability and environmental adaptability through strategies such as electrode modification and process parameter refinement. Addressing these limitations will advance the technology’s scalability and reliability, ultimately promoting its large-scale implementation in industrial wastewater remediation.

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