Thermoelectric Generator-Driven Electrodeposition for Efficient Treatment of Low-Concentration Copper-Containing Wastewater

• • TEG system delivered a maximum power of 0.36 W at ΔT = 130 °C, demonstrating stable voltage output across varied conditions, enabling direct drive of electrodeposition without external power. • • Under optimal conditions (ΔT = 90 °C, counter-current flow, 20 mL·min⁻¹, 500 mg·L⁻¹ Cu²⁺, 0.7 cm electrode gap), copper removal reached 99.42% within 60 min, with a current efficiency of 67.93% and system energy conversion efficiency of 36.96%. • • The coupled system achieved 95.83% copper removal from real wastewater within 100 min, validating practical applicability for industrial effluents. • • Electrodeposited product comprised ~60% metallic copper and ~40% cuprous oxide, as confirmed by SEM, XRD, and XPS, enabling potential copper recovery and reuse.