Citation: Wentian Zheng, Jiachen Wang, Yifan Ren, Yanbiao Liu. Integrated electrochemical and catalytic system with metal-free CNT membrane electrode for efficient aniline degradation via peracetic acid activation[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2026, 37(10): 112462. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2026.112462 shu

Integrated electrochemical and catalytic system with metal-free CNT membrane electrode for efficient aniline degradation via peracetic acid activation

Wentian Zheng ^a ,
Jiachen Wang ^b ,
Yifan Ren ^{b, *,} ,
Yanbiao Liu ^{a, b, *,}

a.
College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
b.
School of Environmental Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China

yifanren@dlut.edu.cn

yanbiaoliu@dhu.edu.cn

Received Date: 21 October 2025
Revised Date: 28 November 2025
Accepted Date: 23 January 2026
Available Online: 23 January 2026

Figures(4)

This study introduces a functionalized carbon nanotube (CNT) membrane electrode integrated into an electrochemical system for the efficient activation of peracetic acid (PAA) and the enhanced degradation of aniline (AN). The system achieves a remarkable 95.5% removal of AN within 120 min, significantly outperforming individual electrochemical and catalytic processes. Kinetic analysis reveals a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 2.41 × 10⁻² min⁻¹, representing 12.7-fold and 2.3-fold enhancement compared to electrochemical and catalytic systems alone. The novel approach exploits the synergistic effects of an applied electric field and the functionalized surface of CNT, with C–OH groups identified as the primary active sites for radical generation. The degradation proceeds via dual pathways: A dominant surface-mediated route involving reactive R–O^• radicals, and an electron-transfer pathway, which is more prominent in the absence of an electric field. The applied voltage (2.0 V) shifts the system to favor the radical-mediated pathway, significantly improving degradation efficiency. The system also demonstrates excellent stability, maintaining over 90% efficiency across multiple cycles and robust performance in complex water matrices. Furthermore, anti-fouling tests and XDLVO theory affirmed that the H-CNT membrane possesses exceptional stability and anti-fouling properties. Life cycle assessment further highlights the reduced environmental footprint of the proposed technology. Overall, this work provides essential insights into the carbon-catalyzed PAA activation mechanism and presents a promising strategy for sustainable wastewater treatment, effectively reducing the toxicity of degradation intermediates.
- Peracetic acid,
- Electrocatalysis,
- Organic radicals,
- Aniline elimination,
- Carbon nanotube
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沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院沈阳 110142