| Abstract Scope |
This study presents a promising solution for industrial wastewater treatment, combining environmental sustainability with economic viability. This innovative method promotes circular resource utilization and efficient nickel recovery by addressing growing regulatory demands for heavy metal discharge limits. The process utilizes cost-effective carbon fiber electrodes, which overcome the limitations of traditional materials by reducing costs, supporting scalability, and enabling continuous operation. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed surface modifications that enhance nickel ion adsorption and reduction while Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses revealed uniform nickel coatings. Optimized conditions—60°C, pH 3.5, and a deposition potential of 4 V—achieved 90% nickel recovery efficiency with low energy consumption (3 kWh per kilogram). Carbon fibers provide an ideal platform for electrochemical recovery with their high surface area, conductivity, and mechanical durability. This study highlights a scalable, cost-effective approach for recycling valuable metals from industrial effluents. |