Abstract: RuOx-PdO/Ti electrode was prepared and used in the photoelectrochemical degradation of reactive brilliant red K-2BP. The effects of supporting electrolytes, such as NaCl, NaNO3, and Na2SO4, on the discoloration were studied. Several parameters altering the efficiency of the photoelectrochemical degradation were also investigated and optimized. It was found that under the optimal reaction conditions, that is, pH≈6.0, the NaCl concentration 0.02 mol·L-1, and current intensity 0.25 mA·cm-2, a color removal of 91.6% within 30 min could be obtained. The main cause of the discoloration could be attributed to a synergetic effect between electrochemical process and photochemical process, that is, to a synergetic effect between the active chlorine formed during the electrochemical treatment as well as the derived HO∙, O-, Cl∙ species under photo radiation and the photoelectrochemical degradation. The electrode performed well over a wide range of temperatures and initial concentrations of dye. This showed promise for the application of RuOx-PdO/Ti electrode in the treatment of dye-polluted water.

Key words: Photoelectrochemical degradation, RuOx-PdO/Ti electrode, Reactive Brilliant Red K-2BP, Synergic effect, Active chlorine