Published Paper Details:

An anodic oxidation process with graphite anode coated with Cu was optimized for the degradation of IC dye. The Cu/GME was prepared by the electrochemical method. The comparison between the kinetics of degradation by graphite and Cu/GME has been studied systematically. The effect of four independent variables like dye concentration, pH, current density and different temperature, degradation rate is to be studied. The anodic oxidation by Cu/GME showed the complete degradation of aqueous solution IC, which is confirmed by UV-vis and COD measurement. The experimental removal efficiencies of IC using Cu/GME and graphite anodes were 97.8% and 60.3% respectively. The electrochemical removal of IC using both Cu/GME and graphite anodes well followed the 1st order kinetics. This process is one of the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs).It generates hydroxyl free radicals (?OH) which attack the dye molecules, resulting in degradation of the dye molecules. The thin film formation of Cu or encapsulated in graphite rod is observed from SEM/EDAX. The ICE values of different experimental conditions are calculated. These results indicated that the Cu/GME would be promising anode for electrochemical degradation of indigo carmine. This dye is converted into CO2, SO2, H2O and simpler inorganic salts. This method can be applied for the remediation of waste water containing organics, cost effective and simple. The results of the study prove that the method is a potential technique for the treatment of azo dye wastewater.