Electrocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Using Graphene Oxide, Antimony Oxide, and Graphene Oxide-Supported Antimony Oxide Ink-Based Electrodes

Author

Maria Irene Myers Armas, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

7-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

Jason G. Parsons

Second Advisor

Arnulfo Mar

Third Advisor

Erik Plata

Abstract

This study investigates the electrocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) using copper mesh electrodes coated with graphene oxide (GO), antimony oxide (Sb₂O₃), and their composite (GO/Sb₂O₃). These materials were evaluated across a pH range of 2 to 8 using sodium sulfate as the supporting electrolyte. UV-Vis spectroscopy at 665 nm confirmed dye degradation, with removal efficiencies reaching up to 95% at pH 2. However, degradation decreased at higher pH, with 40 – 60% removal at pH 8, depending on the electrode. Kinetic analyses revealed optimum performance under acidic conditions. GO/Sb₂O₃ electrodes demonstrated the most consistent and effective performance across all pH values, highlighting the synergistic effect of GO’s conductivity and Sb₂O₃’s catalytic activity. This research underscores the promise of nanomaterial-based electrochemical technologies as scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions for removing persistent organic pollutants like MB from wastewater, contributing to sustainable water treatment efforts and environmental protection.

Comments

Copyright 2025 Maria Irene Myers Armas. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3253905447

Recommended Citation

Myers Armas, M. I. (2025). Electrocatalytic degradation of methylene blue using graphene oxide, antimony oxide, and graphene oxide-supported antimony oxide ink-based electrodes [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1760