Nitrate reduction at electrodeposited copper on copper cathode

We report on the synthesis and characterization of low-cost copper electrodeposited on a copper substrate (Cu/Cu), and its applicability towards nitrate reduction. The surface area of Cu was increased by the electrodeposition of Cu, and at a chosen deposition potential and pH, optimum electrodeposition parameters corresponding to better catalytic activity of nitrate reduction were determined. The electrodeposited catalysts were physically characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Cyclic voltammetry was employed to screen the catalytic activity of the electrodeposited Cu/Cu catalysts towards nitrate reduction. Electrolysis was performed using potentiostatic technique and the effect of potential was studied. Product analysis showed 10% increase in nitrate removal efficiency on Cu/Cu system over bare Cu. Nitrate removal efficiency up to 97% was achieved while treating high concentration (1 M) nitrate with the optimized Cu/Cu cathode.