<p>Pharmaceutical pollutants such as clofibric acid pose significant risks to aquatic environments and human health. In this study, a bifunctional cathode (CF@Fe₃O₄) was synthesized by anchoring Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles onto carbon felt via a solvothermal method. The material was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The CF@Fe₃O₄ cathode was then evaluated in a heterogeneous electro-Fenton system for clofibric acid degradation under varying pH and current conditions using platinum and boron doped diamond anodes. Using the CF@Fe₃O₄/Pt pair, the highest mineralization efficiency (82%) was achieved at pH 3 and 50&#xa0;mA after 5&#xa0;h, whereas higher current intensities resulted in decreased mineralization. In contrast, the CF@Fe₃O₄/BDD system showed enhanced performance with increasing current, achieving 99% mineralization at 300&#xa0;mA and pH 3. The BDD anode also enabled mineralization efficiencies above 90% across a broad pH range (3–8), along with faster reaction kinetics and improved energy efficiency. Fe₃O₄ loading promoted electron transfer and mitigated mass transport limitations, significantly improving degradation rates. Additionally, a small amount of Fe ion leach (1 mg L⁻¹) at pH 3 facilitated supplementary ^•OH production through the homogeneous electro-Fenton process. Radical scavenging experiments identified ^•OH as the dominant reactive species, with supporting contributions from O₂^•− and SO₄^•−. The CF@Fe₃O₄ cathode maintained stable performance over five reuse cycles, demonstrating its potential as a durable, pH-independent, and environmentally friendly electrode material for the removal of persistent organic pollutants.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>