(142c) Exploring the Potential of Porous Iron Electrodes for Enhanced Electrocoagulation and Virus Removal: Insights from Neutron Computed Tomography and Energy Analysis

In this study, we are interested in porous electrodes due to their potential to improve the efficiency of electrocoagulation (EC) processes. Possible improvements include reduced electrical energy consumption, enhanced mass transfer and pollutant precipitation, and effective virus removal. The aim of the study is to investigate the performance of porous iron electrodes in EC systems using advanced characterization techniques and energy analysis. Neutron computed tomography is employed to visualize and understand the electrode dissolution process, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of the porous structure during operation. Specifically, image analysis reveals the thickness and volume of each electrode, indicating whether the inner surface is effectively involved in EC reactions. Moreover, an in-depth material and energy analysis is conducted to quantify the energy consumption of the EC system with porous iron electrodes, offering a comprehensive understanding of energy efficiency improvements compared to conventional non-porous electrodes. Additionally, this study evaluates the performance of the EC system in removing viruses from water, focusing on the role of porous iron electrodes in enhancing virus removal efficiency. The findings of this research not only contribute to our understanding of the benefits of using porous iron electrodes in electrocoagulation systems but also highlight the potential of this technology for sustainable and effective water treatment applications.