Porous Magnéli phase obtained from 3D printing for efficient anodic oxidation process.

[Display omitted] • 3D printing TiOx anode for the first time. • Efficient degradation/mineralization of paracetamol (PCT) as model pollutant. • 3.3- and 1.7- times faster degradation of PCT compared to TiOx and BDD plate anodes. • High mineralization efficiency (75%) at 2 h compared to BDD anode (66%) • 3D printing electrode material with suitable porous structure favors mass transport. 3D printing was used for the first time for synthesis of a 3D TiO x electrode applied to the removal of organic compounds from water by electrooxidation process. After characterization of the synthetized material, effectiveness and reaction mechanisms of the electrode for water treatment was assessed under galvanostatic mode through (i) using probe molecules (terephthalic acid and oxalic acid) and paracetamol (PCT) as model compound (ii) monitoring the fate of degradation by-products and mineralization yields, and (iii) quenching experiments using ethanol to clarify oxidation mechanism. Results emphasized that the suitable porous structure of the 3D TiO x promoted both direct electron transfer and hydroxyl radical-mediated oxidation at the electrode surface. Compared to Ti/TiO x and BDD (boron-doped diamond) plates, 3D TiO x anode achieved faster degradation of PCT (3.3- and 1.7- times enhancement, respectively), lower accumulation of degradation by-products and higher mineralization yield (75% vs 15% and 66%, for Ti/TiO x and BDD anodes, respectively, after 2-h treatment, under similar operating conditions). This study highlights the potential of 3D printing for designing electrode materials with suitable porous structure able to favor mass transport conditions and consequently enhance the efficiency of electrochemical advanced oxidation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]