High Selective Electrocatalysis Dehydrogenation of Isopropanol to Acetone with Cobenefits: Carboxylic Acids Coproduction

The existing on-site treatment of residual 2-propanol (IPA) in semiconductor factories results in evaporation into the atmosphere, causing cross-contamination of water and air pollution. Various treatment technologies have been assessed, but many either generate pollution or cannot recover IPA. Alternatively, IPA undergoes oxidation during distillation, transforming into acetone, another substance regulated under wastewater treatment standards. This study explored electrochemical oxidation (EO) as a method for selectively mineralizing IPA in wastewater. The high flow rate and complex byproducts of IPA wastewater necessitate advanced approaches for efficient treatment. Employing a well-enclosed EO reactor, this research characterized radical and active chlorine species in depth, elucidating their composition, mechanisms, and roles in removing IPA and its intermediates. Hydroxyl radicals (•OH) were identified as the most reactive species, as they fully removed IPA in 5 h in a chloride-free system. The introduction of electrogenerated active chlorine species proved to be highly efficient for treatment, especially in a 150 mM NaCl electrolyte at an initial pH of 5, which is suitable for wastewater containing high chlorine concentrations. This approach not only effectively mitigates acetone generation but also enhances IPA mineralization, presenting a viable treatment option without the need for additional chemicals.