Degradation of 4-CP in an internal electrolysis system

The characteristic and mechanism of parachlorophenol(4-CP) degradation in an internal electrolysis system were investigated. The degradation rate of 4-CP was higher in acid solution than that of in neutral or alkaline solution. Addition of activated carbon could make 4-CP easier be degraded by the surface contact catalysis. The dissolved oxygen in solution could take part in the electrode reaction and intensify the degradation of 4-CP. By the analysis of intermediates of degradation of 4-CP, it could be conferred that 4-CP was broken through the bond beside hydroxy firstly, then the bond beside chloride was broken and the chloride was dechlorinated simultaneously. Most intermediate products were glycerine, ethane diacid and acetic acid, while very few 1,4-butanedial and alcohols were found.