Anodic oxidation of 2-naphthol at boron-doped diamond electrodes

The anodic oxidation of 2-naphthol in acid media was investigated at a synthetic boron-doped diamond thin film electrode (BDD) using cyclic voltammetry and bulk electrolysis. The results have shown that in the potential region, where the supporting electrolyte is stable, reactions involving simple electron transfer, such as oxidation of 2-naphthol to naphthoxy radical and 1,4-naphthoquinone occur. Polymeric materials, which lead to electrode fouling, are also formed in this potential region. Electrolysis at high positive potentials in the region of electrolyte decomposition causes complex oxidation reactions by electrogenerated hydroxyl radicals leading to the complete incineration of 2-naphthol. Electrode fouling is inhibited under these conditions. perimental results have been also compared with a theoretical model. This model is based on the assumption that the rate of the anodic oxidation of 2-naphthol is a fast reaction and it is under diffusion control.