Preparation of Expanded Graphite-Based Composite Electrode and Electrochemical Degradation of Phenol

Expanded graphite-based carbon/carbon composite (EGC) electrode was prepared by compressed expanded graphite impregnated in sucrose-phosphoric acid solution. The porous texture and microstructure of the composite were analyzed by physical adsorption measurements of N2 adsorption at 77K and SEM. The influence of electrolytic conditions on the phenol degradation was investigated. The results indicated that the EGC electrode was comprised of a graphite framework coated by a thin layer of activated carbon. It could be used as an anode to degrade phenol effectively in the solution by electrochemical oxidation. The data in the experiment showed that the removal efficiency of phenol increased with lowering the initial phenol concentration, increasing the current density and electrolyte concentration.