Cu supported on the graphene oxide modified graphite felt electrode for highly efficient nitrate electroreduction

To improve the stability of electrode, a Cu supported on the graphene oxide (GO) modified graphite felt (GF) electrode (Cu/GO/GF) was prepared by a simple electrodeposition method for the electrochemical reduction of nitrate in aqueous solution. The morphology, structure, and characteristics of the electrode were characterized and Cu/GO/GF was used as the cathode in an undivided cell to remove nitrate from water by electrochemical reduction. The successful electrochemical deposition of GO on GF plate and subsequent Cu coating on GO/GF electrode were observed. In presence of GO middle layer, the smaller and denser Cu distributed uniformly on the GF plate, and the electrocatalytic activity and chemical stability were remarkably improved. Cu/GO/GF electrode exhibits a higher nitrate removal efficiency of 92.5% after 100 min than Cu/GF (40.4%), GO/GF (31.6%) and GF (26.0%). The presence of Cl- (NaCl, CaCl2) and humic acid have little effect on the removal of nitrate, and Cu/GO/GF can be used for the removal of nitrate from water and wastewater.