By combined electrocatalysis and adsorption method the degradation of wastewater containing phenol was investigated. The influences of current intensity on the removal of chemical oxygen demand (CODCr)

average current efficiency and energy consumption were studied. The results showed that high current density was favorable for removal of CODCr. Considering the average current efficiency and energy consumption

current of 0.6A was chosen to be the suitable current intensity. Electrolyte could remarkably affect the removal of phenol. NaCl exhibited more significant promotion on CODCr removal than Na2SO4. Activated carbon fiber

based on its adsorption and electrochemical character

was used as cathode material to degrade the phenol. It was found that the removal rate of CODCr could reach 90% after 10min treatment by the combination of adsorption and electrocatalysis. The adsorption equilibrium of phenol on activated carbon fiber was coincident with Freundlich isotherm. A kinetic model for CODCr removal was established based on the adsorption and electrocatalysis process. The agreement of model prediction and the experimental data was well. The parameter predicted from the kinetic model showed that the adsorption process made more contribution to CODCr removal than electrocatalysis.