Anodic abatement of glyphosate on Pt-doped SnO₂-Sb electrodes promoted by pollutant-dopant electrocatalytic interactions

The development of non-expensive and efficient technologies for the elimination of Glyphosate (GLP) in water is of great interest for society today. Here we explore novel electrocatalytic effects to boost the anodic oxidation of GLP on Pt-doped (3-13met%) SnO₂-Sb electrodes. The study reveals the formation of well disperse Pt nanophases in SnO₂-Sb that electrocatalyze GLP elimination. Cyclic voltammetry and in-situ spectroelectrochemical FTIR analysis evidence carboxylate-mediated Pt-GLP electrocatalytic interactions to promote oxidation and mineralization of this herbicide. Interestingly, under electrolytic conditions Pt effects are proposed to synergistically cooperate with hydroxyl radicals in GLP oxidation. Furthermore, the formation of by-products has been followed by different techniques, and the studied electrodes are compared to commercial Si/BDD and Ti/Pt anodes and tested for a real GLP commercial product. Results show that, although BDD is the most effective anode, the SnO₂-Sb electrode with a 13 met% Pt can mineralize GLP with lower energy consumption.