Modeling and Optimization of p-Benzoquinone Degradation via Flow-By Electro-Oxidation on Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes

The electro-oxidation of p-Benzoquinone (p-BQ) was investigated in a flow-by reactor (FM01-LC) without separation, with two boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes as both the anode and cathode, in batch recirculation mode. The optimal operating conditions were determined using response surface methodology, specifically a face-centered central composite design. The initial pH (pH₀) and applied current density (j) were evaluated as factors, while the p-BQ (η (%)) served as the response variable. The optimal conditions, a pH0 of 6.52 and a j of 0.124 A/cm2, achieved a maximum removal efficiency of 97.32% after 5 h of electrolysis. The specific energy consumption and total operating cost were 127.854 kWh/m3 and USD 3.7 USD/L, respectively.