Electrochemical degradation of organic substances at PbO2 anodes: Monitoring by continuous CO2 measurements

A new method is presented for the continuous detection of the complete degradation of organic compounds during anodic oxidation. The oxidation of different model compounds was studied at lead dioxide anodes in undivided cells employing various current densities. Considerable differences in oxidizability of organic substances were found, e.g. between acetic and oxalic acid. Phenol, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, glucose and oxalic acid could be mineralized at room temperature. Humic acid could be degraded nearly completely. A conventional DOC analyser was used as a reference standard.