Removal of formaldehyde from aqueous solutions via oxygen reduction using a reticulated vitreous carbon cathode cell

The removal of formaldehyde from waste streams to <0.3 ppm has been demonstrated using a cell with a reticulated vitreous carbon cathode; the formaldehyde is oxidized by hydrogen peroxide, formed at the cathode by reduction of oxygen. In most electrolytes studied (e.g. NaOH, NaCl and Na₂SO₄), the formaldehyde is oxidised only to formic acid. On the other hand, the addition of a low concentration of an iron salt (i.e. 0.5 mm), catalyses the complete oxidation to carbon dioxide. The removal of formaldehyde can be achieved in media of low ionic strength (< 10 mm) although the use of iron salts necessitates the adjustment of pH to 3 to maintain the catalyst in solution.