Electro-Chemical Degradation of Norfloxacin Using a PbO[sub.2]-NF Anode Prepared by the Electrodeposition of PbO[sub.2] onto the Substrate of Nickel Foam

A novel three-dimensional network nickel foam/PbO[sub.2] combination electrode (PbO[sub.2]-NF) with high electrochemical degradation efficiency to norfloxacin was successfully fabricated through the electrodeposition of PbO[sub.2] on the substrate of nickel foam. The characterization of an PbO[sub.2]-NF electrode, including surface morphology, elemental components, electrochemical performance, and stability was performed. In electrochemical oxidation tests, the removal efficiency of norfloxacin (initial concentration for 50 mg/L) on PbO[sub.2]-NF reached 88.64% within 60 min of electrolysis, whereas that of pure nickel foam was only 30%. In the presence of PbO[sub.2]-NF, the optimum current density, solution pH, electrode spacing for norfloxacin degradation were 30 mA/cm[sup.2], 11, and 3 cm, respectively. The electric energy consumption for 80% norfloxacin was approximately 5 Wh/L. Therefore, these results provide a new anode to improve the removal of norfloxacin in the wastewater with high efficiency and low energy consumption.