Impregnation of Fe2O3/CeO2 onto activated carbon surface for the electrochemical degradation of oxytetracycline

Abstract BACKGROUND Antibiotic residues are persisting against biological degradation, so their presence is considered dangerous in both low and high concentrations. The removal of antibiotic pollutants by electrochemical degradation using a modified activated carbon has attracted tremendous attention. RESULTS Granular activated carbon was modified with iron and cerium oxide. Electrochemical degradation of oxytetracycline was studied using a modified activated carbon as an electrode. The composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and by measuring of the pH of the point of zero charge. These techniques confirmed that the oxide was immobilized onto the activated carbon surface. Electrochemical degradation was determined under different conditions, such as pH, the nature and concentration of the supporting electrolyte, current density and anode type. When NaCl was used as a supporting electrolyte 98% degradation was achieved, but only 60% degradation was achieved when Na 2 SO 4 was used as an electrolyte, under optimal conditions: a current density of 60 mA cm −2 , pH 3, a treatment time of 180 min and a boron‐doped diamond counter‐electrode. Full use of the catalytic properties of activated carbon modified by iron–cerium oxide gives a high production of • OH, and highly efficient degradation of oxytetracycline was observed. CONCLUSION The advancements hold significant implications for environmental engineering and science, as they pave the way for more efficient electrodes. This research not only demonstrated a new kind of modified activated carbon as an effective catalyst but also offers an avenue for efficient degradation using a carbon electrode. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).