Enhanced Ti/TiO2-RuO2-SnO2 anode material for a sequential electrocoagulation-electrooxidation treatment of real Teflon plating industrial wastewater

Rapid expansion of the Teflon industry has intensified the release fluoropolymer-laden effluents, rich in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) contaminants and precursors to per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Conventional treatment methods struggle to degrade these persistent pollutants due to their chemical inertness and stability. This study presents a detailed and reproducible sequential electrocoagulation (EC) and electrooxidation (EO) approach for treating real Teflon plating process wastewater (TPWW). EC using Al electrodes at optimized conditions (5 mA/cm 2 , pH 6, 10 mins) achieved significant removal of turbidity, suspended solids, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) with minimal sludge and energy costs. Subsequent EO treatment with a Ti/TiO 2 -RuO 2 -SnO 2 anode at optimal conditions (pH 3, 30 mA/cm 2 , 90 mins) demonstrated over 99% COD and 92% TOC removal efficiencies. The sequential EC–EO process demonstrated effective pollutant removal, energy efficiency, and operational scalability. This mechanistically grounded approach offers a reproducible, cost-effective solution for treating fluoropolymer-laden industrial effluents, contributing to research efforts towards enhancing water treatment efficiencies. The findings contribute to sustainable water management by advancing scalable electrochemical protocols for PFAS-related effluents, directly supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 targets on water quality improvement, integrated resource management, and ecosystem protection. • First-of-its-kind treatment of real Teflon plating wastewater using a sequential (EC–EO) process. • Al electrode electrocoagulation at 5 mA/cm 2 and pH 6 achieved >75% COD/turbidity removal with minimal sludge and energy cost. • Electrooxidation withTi/TiO 2 –RuO 2 –SnO 2 anode at pH 3 and 30 mA/cm 2 enabled 99% COD and 92 TOC removal. • Sequential EC–EO process enhanced pollutant removal, reduced energy demand, and minimized electrode fouling.