Galvanic process for treating aqueous compositions

Abstract

Disclosed is a method of treating an aqueous composition comprising immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode comprising Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof. The galvanic cell includes a cathode having a different composition than the anode, the cathode comprising Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with international application number PCT / US2021 / 064124 filed on December 17, 2021, Chinese national application number 202180097592.1, and invention name “Galvanic method for treating aqueous compositions”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 17 / 340,254 filed on June 7, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application serial number 63 / 155,338 filed on March 2, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0004] Using electrochemical cells to electrolyze aqueous compositions has a wide range of applications, including electrocoagulation, demulsification and oxidation and / or elimination of metals such as heavy metals. Electrolytic treatment can be used for treating wastewater, washing water and industrial process water. In some applications, electrolytic treatment can be used for removing pollutants such as emulsified oil, total petroleum hydrocarbons, refractory organic matter, suspended solids and heavy metals that are more difficult to remove by filtering or chemical treatment systems. However, electrolytic methods require a large amount of electric power to power electrochemical cells, which causes rapid passivation and consumption of anode materials. Summary of the invention

[0005] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treating an aqueous composition. The method includes immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode comprising Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof. The galvanic cell includes a cathode having a different composition than the anode, the cathode comprising Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treating an aqueous composition. The method includes immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode comprising Al, wherein the anode is about 90% to about 100% by weight Al. The galvanic cell includes a cathode comprising Cu, wherein the cathode is about 90% to about 100% by weight Cu. The galvanic cell includes a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising an alloy comprising Cu and Zn.

[0007] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for coagulating and / or precipitating suspended solids from an aqueous composition. The method includes immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition, the treated aqueous composition comprising condensed and / or precipitated suspended solids from the aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode comprising Al, wherein the anode is about 90% to about 100% by weight Al. The galvanic cell includes a cathode comprising Cu, wherein the cathode is about 90% to about 100% by weight Cu. The galvanic cell includes a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising an alloy comprising Cu and Zn. The method includes removing the condensed and / or precipitated suspended solids from the treated aqueous composition.

[0008] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for reducing or eliminating emulsions in an aqueous composition. The method includes immersing a primary cell in an aqueous composition including an oil / water emulsion and / or a water / oil emulsion to reduce or eliminate the emulsion in the aqueous composition and form a treated aqueous composition. The primary cell includes an anode comprising Al, wherein the anode is about 90% to about 100% by weight Al. The primary cell includes a cathode comprising Cu, wherein the cathode is about 90% to about 100% by weight Cu. The primary cell includes a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising an alloy comprising Cu and Zn.

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention provide methods for reducing the chemical oxygen demand of the aqueous composition. The method includes immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to reduce or eliminate the chemical oxygen demand of the aqueous composition and form a treated aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode comprising Al, wherein the anode is about 90% to about 100% by weight Al. The galvanic cell includes a cathode comprising Cu, wherein the cathode is about 90% to about 100% by weight Cu. The galvanic cell includes a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising an alloy comprising Cu and Zn.

[0010] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for reducing or eliminating silica from an aqueous composition. The method includes immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to reduce or eliminate silica in the aqueous composition and form a treated aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode comprising Al, wherein the anode is about 90% to about 100% by weight Al. The galvanic cell includes a cathode comprising Cu, wherein the cathode is about 90% to about 100% by weight Cu. The galvanic cell includes a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising an alloy comprising Cu and Zn.

[0011] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treating an aqueous composition. The method includes immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode comprising Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof. The anode includes a planar nonporous form. The galvanic cell includes a cathode having a different composition from the anode. The cathode includes Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof. The cathode includes a wire mesh. The cathode is arranged parallel to the main surface of the planar nonporous form of the anode so that a gap is formed between the main surface of the planar nonporous form of the anode and the cathode. The galvanic cell also includes at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode. The conductive connector maintains a gap between the main surface of the planar nonporous form of the cathode and the anode.

[0012] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treating an aqueous composition. The method includes immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes a single anode comprising Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof. The anode includes a planar nonporous form. The galvanic cell includes two cathodes having a different composition from the anode. The cathode includes Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof. Each cathode includes a wire mesh. The cathodes are arranged on opposite major faces of the planar nonporous form of the anode so that they form a gap. The galvanic cell also includes at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the cathode. The conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and the major face of the planar nonporous form of the anode.

[0013] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treating an aqueous composition. The method includes immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes a single anode. The anode includes Mg. The anode includes a planar non-porous form. The galvanic cell includes two cathodes. The cathode includes Cu. Each cathode includes a wire mesh. The cathodes are arranged parallel to the opposite major faces of the planar non-porous form of the anode so that they form a gap. The galvanic cell also includes at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode. The conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and the major faces of the planar non-porous form of the anode.

[0014] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treating an aqueous composition. The method includes immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes a single anode. The anode includes Al. The anode includes a planar non-porous form. The galvanic cell includes two cathodes. The cathode includes Cu. Each cathode includes a wire mesh. The cathodes are arranged parallel to the opposite major faces of the planar non-porous form of the anode so that they form a gap. The galvanic cell also includes at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode. The conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and the major faces of the planar non-porous form of the anode.

[0015] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treating an aqueous composition. The method includes immersing a plurality of galvanic cells in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition. Each of the galvanic cells is connected to one or more structural connectors. Each galvanic cell includes a single anode. The anode includes Mg, Al, or a combination thereof. The anode includes a planar non-porous form. Each galvanic cell includes two cathodes. The cathode includes Cu. Each cathode includes a wire mesh. The cathodes are arranged parallel to the relative major faces of the planar non-porous form of the anode so that they form a gap. The galvanic cells also each include at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode. The conductive connector maintains a gap between the major faces of the planar non-porous form of the cathode and the anode.

[0016] In various embodiments, the galvanic process of the present invention provides an alternative to electrolytic treatment of aqueous compositions (such as electrolytic coagulation or other electrolytic treatments). Compared to electrolytic methods that require an external potential to be applied between the anode and the cathode, the galvanic process has the advantage of not using an external potential applied between the anode and the cathode. In various embodiments, the galvanic process of the present invention uses less electricity than electrolytic methods that perform the same or similar processing functions. In various embodiments, the galvanic process of the present invention can be used to perform the same or similar processing functions as the electrolytic method, but at a lower overall cost (e.g., consuming less electricity and optionally using cheaper materials and / or equipment). In various embodiments, the low current of the galvanic process of the present invention avoids passivation of the anode surface, resulting in a lower consumption rate of the anode material, preventing the presence of unwanted chemical reactions (e.g., forming chlorates or bromates), or a combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawings generally illustrate various embodiments of the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation.

[0018] Figure 1A A galvanic cell is shown according to various embodiments, viewed from a main side.

[0019] Figure 1B An enlarged cross-sectional edge view of a primary cell is shown according to various embodiments.

[0020] Figure 2 A side view of a primary cell is shown according to various embodiments.

[0021] Figure 3 According to various embodiments, a main face of a galvanic cell is shown.

[0022] Figure 4 Shown are views of the side and main faces of a galvanic cell according to various embodiments.

[0023] Figure 5 Shown are side views of a plurality of primary cells according to various embodiments.

[0024] Figure 6 Shown are views of a plurality of galvanic cells showing major faces of the cells, according to various embodiments.

[0025] Figure 7 Shown are views of multiple galvanic cells showing the sides, tops, and major faces of the cells, according to various embodiments.

[0026] Figure 8 A side view photograph of a primary cell is shown according to various embodiments.

[0027] Fig.9A Shown are graphs showing current versus time for four different Al-Cu galvanic cells having a single-sided Cu mesh, a double-sided Cu mesh, a three-sided Cu mesh, and a four-sided Cu mesh, according to various embodiments.

[0028] Fig. 9B According to various embodiments, Fig.9A The graph shows the relationship between the current calculation, mg of aluminum ions produced and time for four different Al-Cu galvanic cells.

[0029] Fig.10 Shown is a graph of current versus conductivity for an Al-Cu galvanic cell with and without air agitation, according to various embodiments.

[0030] Fig.11 Shown are UV-Vis spectra of a solution containing Orange II in contact with a Cu-Al galvanic cell at different times, according to various embodiments.

[0031] Fig.12 The percent removal versus time for the removal of Orange II using a Cu-Al cell, as shown by the 486 nm signal in the UV-Vis spectrum, is shown according to various embodiments.

[0032] Fig.13 Linear voltammograms of a galvanic cell in water with various amounts of added hydrogen peroxide are shown, according to various embodiments.

[0033] Fig.14 Shown is the amount of aluminum ions produced per square foot of electrode surface area in the anode reaction of a galvanic cell at various amounts of added hydrogen peroxide, according to various embodiments.

[0034] Fig.15 According to various embodiments, various amounts of added OCl are shown. - or H2 O 2 The current in the original battery under the condition of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.While the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the enumerated claims, it will be understood that the illustrated subject matter is not intended to limit the claims to the disclosed subject matter.

[0036] In this document, values ​​expressed in range format should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the values ​​explicitly cited as range limits, but also all individual values ​​or subranges contained within the range, as if each value and subrange were explicitly stated. For example, a range of "about 0.1% to about 5%" or "about 0.1% to 5%" should be interpreted as including not only about 0.1% to about 5%, but also individual values ​​(e.g., 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%) and subranges (e.g., 0.1% to 0.5%, 1.1% to 2.2%, 3.3% to 4.4%) within the specified range. Unless otherwise specified, the statement "about X to Y" has the same meaning as "about X to about Y". Similarly, unless otherwise specified, the statement "about X, Y or about Z" has the same meaning as "about X, about Y or about Z".

[0037] In this document, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the terms "a", "an", or "the" are used to include one or more than one. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "or" is used to refer to a non-exclusive "or". The statement "at least one of A and B" or "at least one of A or B" has the same meaning as "A, B, or A and B". In addition, it should be understood that the words or terms used herein and not otherwise defined are for descriptive purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The use of any section headings is intended to aid in reading the document and should not be construed as limiting; information related to the section heading may appear within or outside that particular section.

[0038] In the methods described herein, except when the time or order of operations is explicitly stated, the actions may be performed in any order without departing from the principles of the invention. In addition, the specified actions may be performed simultaneously unless the explicit claim language states that they are performed separately. For example, a claimed action to perform X and a claimed action to perform Y may be performed simultaneously in a single operation, and the resulting method will fall within the literal scope of the claimed method.

[0039] As used herein, the term "about" can allow a certain degree of variability in a value or range, for example, within 10%, within 5% or within 1% of a stated value or limit of a stated range, and includes the exact stated value or range.

[0040] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to a majority or majority, such as within at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.9%, 99.99%, or at least about 99.999% or more, or 100%. As used herein, the term "substantially free" may mean having no or insignificant amounts such that the amount of material present does not affect the material properties of the composition containing the material, such that from about 0% to about 5% by weight of the composition is the material, or from about 0% to about 1%, or about 5% by weight or less, or less than, equal to, or greater than about 4.5%, 4%, 3.5%, 3%, 2.5%, 2%, 1.5%, 1%, 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%, 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, 0.1%, 0.01%, or about 0.001% by weight or less, or about 0% by weight of the composition is the material.

[0041] In various embodiments, the salt with a positively charged counterion can include any suitable positively charged counterion. For example, the counterion can be ammonium (NH 4 + ), or sodium (Na + ), potassium (K + ) or lithium (Li + In some embodiments, the counterion may have a positive charge greater than +1, which in some embodiments may be combined with multiple ionizable groups such as Zn 2+ 、Al 3+ ) or alkaline earth metals (such as Ca 2+ or Mg 2+ ) complexation.

[0042] The disclosures of PCT / US2020 / 037405 and PCT / US2020 / 037407 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0043] Method for treating aqueous compositions.

[0044] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treating an aqueous composition. The method includes immersing a galvanic cell into the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode comprising Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof. The galvanic cell includes a cathode having a different composition than the anode, the cathode comprising Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof. The method may include immersing one of the galvanic cells into the aqueous composition or immersing a plurality of galvanic cells into the aqueous composition.

[0045] The method includes operating the galvanic cell as a galvanic cell. Operating the galvanic cell as a galvanic cell includes applying a zero external potential (0 V) between an anode and a cathode of the galvanic cell. During operation of the galvanic cell as a galvanic cell, the potential between the anode and the cathode is equal to the galvanic corrosion potential of the galvanic cell (e.g., the potential reached by the anode and the cathode without an applied external potential when immersed in an aqueous composition).

[0046] Immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition may include partial immersion such that any suitable proportion of the surface area of ​​the galvanic cell is in contact with the aqueous composition, such as about 1% to about 100%, 80% to about 100%, or less than, equal to, or greater than about 1%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or about 99% or more of the surface area of ​​the anode and cathode. Immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition may include full immersion such that about 100% of the surface area of ​​the galvanic cell is in contact with the aqueous composition.

[0047] In various embodiments, the method of treating an aqueous composition eliminates or reduces emulsions in the aqueous composition, coagulates and / or precipitates suspended solids from the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more organic compounds in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more inorganic compounds in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more dyes and / or inks in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more metals in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more heavy metals, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more toxic compounds and / or materials in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of fluoride in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of sulfide in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of arsenic in the aqueous composition, reduces the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the aqueous composition, reduces the turbidity of the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of silicon dioxide (e.g., SiO 3 2- ) concentration, or a combination thereof.

[0048] The method can condense and / or precipitate suspended solids from the aqueous composition. The method can be used as an alternative to conventional electrolytic coagulation methods. The aqueous composition may include suspended solid particles, and the treated aqueous composition may have a lower concentration of suspended solid particles than the aqueous composition. The method may further include removing condensed materials and / or precipitates from the treated aqueous composition. Removal may be any suitable removal, such as decantation, sedimentation, filtration, or a combination thereof. In the electrolytic coagulation method, pollutants are oxidized at the anode (Fe, Al, Zn, etc.) and hydrogen is produced at the cathode. This is similar to what happens in the galvanic method, but applying an external current in the electrolytic coagulation increases the polarization of the electrodes, causing new chemical reactions, such as gaseous oxygen and chlorine if chloride ions are present in the solution. The galvanic method of condensing and / or precipitating suspended solids from the solution can be an economically advantageous replacement for the electrolytic coagulation method for treating sewage by adsorption-coagulation and cathode reduction. In some embodiments such as using a Mg anode and a Cu cathode, the galvanic treatment method can produce chlorine (e.g., by connecting at least two galvanic cells in series).

[0049] The method of treating an aqueous composition can reduce or eliminate emulsions therein. The aqueous composition can include oil / water, water / oil emulsions, and / or latex emulsions, and wherein the treated aqueous composition contains less oil / water, water / oil emulsions, and / or latex emulsions than the aqueous composition.

[0050] The method for treating an aqueous composition can remove or reduce the concentration of one or more organic compounds in the aqueous composition. The treated aqueous composition can have a concentration of one or more organic compounds lower than the aqueous composition. Removal or reduction can occur via any suitable mechanism. For example, the method can chemically transform an organic compound, degrade an organic compound, oxidize an organic compound, reduce an organic compound, precipitate an organic compound, condense an organic compound, react an organic compound with oxygen, react an organic compound with chlorine, react an organic compound with one or more ions generated at an anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0051] The method for treating an aqueous composition can remove or reduce the concentration of one or more inorganic compounds in the aqueous composition. The treated aqueous composition can have a concentration of one or more inorganic compounds lower than the aqueous composition. Removal or reduction can occur via any suitable mechanism. For example, the method can chemically transform the inorganic compound, degrade the inorganic compound, oxidize the inorganic compound, reduce the inorganic compound, precipitate the inorganic compound, condense the inorganic compound, react the inorganic compound with oxygen, react the inorganic compound with chlorine, react the inorganic compound with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0052] The method for treating an aqueous composition can remove or reduce the concentration of one or more dyes and / or inks in the aqueous composition. The treated aqueous composition can have a concentration of one or more dyes and / or inks lower than the aqueous composition. Removal or reduction can occur via any suitable mechanism. For example, the method can chemically transform one or more dyes and / or inks, degrade one or more dyes and / or inks, oxidize one or more dyes and / or inks, reduce one or more dyes and / or inks, precipitate one or more dyes and / or inks, condense one or more dyes and / or inks, react one or more dyes and / or inks with oxygen, react one or more dyes and / or inks with chlorine, react one or more dyes and / or inks with one or more ions produced at anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof. The dye can be any suitable dye that can be removed using the method. For example, the dye can be an azo dye, such as methyl orange and / or orange No. 2. The method can remove any suitable amount of dye molecules, such as 10-100%, 50-100%, 80-100%, or less than, equal to or greater than 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% or more.

[0053] The method for treating an aqueous composition can remove or reduce the concentration of one or more metals in the aqueous composition. The treated aqueous composition can have a concentration of one or more metals lower than the aqueous composition. Removal or reduction can occur via any suitable mechanism. For example, the method can chemically transform one or more metals, degrade one or more metals, oxidize one or more metals, reduce one or more metals, precipitate one or more metals, condense one or more metals, react one or more metals with oxygen, react one or more metals with chlorine, react one or more metals with one or more ions produced at anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0054] The method for treating the aqueous composition can remove or reduce the concentration of one or more heavy metals in the aqueous composition. The treated aqueous composition can have a concentration of one or more metals lower than the aqueous composition. Removal or reduction can occur via any suitable mechanism. For example, the method can chemically transform one or more heavy metals, degrade one or more heavy metals, oxidize one or more heavy metals, reduce one or more heavy metals, precipitate one or more heavy metals, condense one or more heavy metals, react one or more heavy metals with oxygen, react one or more heavy metals with chlorine, react one or more heavy metals with one or more ions produced at anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0055] The method for treating an aqueous composition can remove or reduce the concentration of one or more toxic compounds and / or materials in the aqueous composition. The treated aqueous composition can have a concentration of one or more toxic compounds and / or materials lower than the aqueous composition. Removal or reduction can occur via any suitable mechanism. For example, the method can chemically transform one or more toxic compounds and / or materials, degrade one or more toxic compounds and / or materials, oxidize one or more toxic compounds and / or materials, reduce one or more toxic compounds and / or materials, precipitate one or more toxic compounds and / or materials, condense one or more toxic compounds and / or materials, react one or more toxic compounds and / or materials with oxygen, react one or more toxic compounds and / or materials with chlorine, react one or more toxic compounds and / or materials with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0056] The method of treating an aqueous composition can remove or reduce the concentration of fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof in the aqueous composition. The treated aqueous composition can have a lower concentration of fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof than the aqueous composition. Removal or reduction can occur via any suitable mechanism. For example, the method can chemically transform fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; degrade fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; oxidize fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; reduce fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; precipitate fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; condense fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; react fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof with oxygen; react fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof with chlorine; react fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode; or a combination thereof.

[0057] In various embodiments, the method can reduce the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the aqueous composition, reduce the turbidity of the aqueous composition, or a combination thereof. The treated aqueous composition can have reduced COD, reduced turbidity, or a combination thereof compared to the aqueous composition. For example, the method can reduce the COD of the aqueous composition by 1% to 100%, or 1% to 99%, or 3% to 95%, or 5% to 85%, or less than or equal to 100% and greater than or equal to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 82%, 84%, 86%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.9%, or 99.99%. For example, the method can reduce the turbidity of an aqueous composition (e.g., an oil / water or water / oil emulsion) by 1% to 100%, or 1% to 99.99%, or 80% to 99.99%, or 90% to 99.99%, or less than or equal to 100% and greater than or equal to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 82%, 84%, 86%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.9%, or 99.99%.

[0058] In various embodiments, the method can reduce or eliminate silicon dioxide in the aqueous composition. For example, the method can reduce or eliminate silicon dioxide in the aqueous composition. 3 2- 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.9%, or 99.99% decrease in the concentration of.

[0059] The aqueous composition treated by the method can be any suitable aqueous composition, such as including wastewater and / or sewage from the following processes: food processing, landfill, laundry process (e.g., detergent sewage), industrial pulp or paper process, industrial mining process, industrial textile process, metal-processing process, metal polishing process, metalworking process, industrial process in the leather industry, petroleum industry process, marine wastewater (e.g., emulsion removal), or a combination thereof. The aqueous composition can contain water taken from the following sources, including natural water sources in the environment, drinking water, industrial wastewater, industrial cooling water, or a combination thereof.

[0060] The paper industry consumes large amounts of water and has high organic contamination areas consisting of suspended solids and intense colors from lignin degradation compounds and tannins. The aqueous composition treated with the method of the present invention may comprise wastewater and / or sewage from an industrial pulp or papermaking process. The method of the present invention may destabilize the colloidal solution, thereby reducing or eliminating the colloidal solution. In various embodiments, the new amorphous Al(xH) formed from the anode in the galvanic cell may be 2 O) can have a large surface area, which enhances the adsorption of soluble organic compounds, captures colloidal solids, and thus provides reduction in COD, color, and / or turbidity.

[0061] In the textile industry, the removal of colorants has been reported when using Al and Fe electrodes in an electrocoagulation system. The aqueous composition treated with the method of the present invention may comprise wastewater and / or sewage from industrial textile processes. The galvanic cell can produce the same effect, with the advantage of no external energy application (which can significantly reduce the passivation process), and a lower anode consumption rate, such as at least 10 times lower than the electrolytic electrocoagulation process. Experiments conducted in our laboratory have verified that the aluminum galvanic method has a good effect in removing dye molecules (such as azo dyes, such as methyl orange and orange 2). Using this method to treat water samples from treatment plants resulted in a reduction in COD and a reduction in turbidity.

[0062] The aqueous composition treated with the method of the present invention may comprise wastewater and / or sewage from a metalworking process, a metal polishing process or a metal manufacturing process. The galvanic Mg-Cu method may be applicable to the treatment of sewage with a high content of metal ions (e.g., bearing and electroplating industries). The Mg-Cu galvanic cell can remove metal ions in two ways: for those metal ions with a low electrochemical reduction potential, an increase in the pH of the water can cause them to precipitate as oxides or hydroxides, such as lead ions; and more precious metals (such as mercury) can be removed via their deposition on the cathode surface. Mercury has strict environmental regulations, so there is a very high value associated with its removal.

[0063] The galvanic method of the present invention can reduce the COD, turbidity and concentration of metals present in waste and byproduct streams from leather industry processes. The adsorption-coagulation process reduces the stability of colloidal particles present in these waters, producing larger particles that can settle or filter, thereby reducing turbidity. Fats, greases and organic matter generally have a similar effect, resulting in a reduction in COD in the system. The presence of metals such as Cr 6+ and Cr 3+ Reduction can be performed on the cathode surface, and the use of a Mg galvanic cell can increase the pH from the acidic range to the alkaline range, which can lead to the precipitation of metal hydroxides.

[0064] For example, the aqueous composition treated by the method of the present invention may include wastewater and / or sewage from the following processes: food processing, laundry processes (e.g., detergent sewage), metal processing processes, metal polishing processes, metal manufacturing processes, petroleum industry processes, marine wastewater (e.g., emulsion removal), or a combination thereof. Food processing, petroleum, metal manufacturing, and marine industries can produce wastewater that cannot be treated by traditional decontamination methods in the presence of stable oil-water emulsions. In various embodiments of the present invention, the presence of hydrolyzed aluminum particles can interact with the emulsion, causing a reduction in free energy at the oil / water interface, thereby causing its decomposition. The main destabilization mechanism may be that adsorbent macromolecules are attached to more than one droplet at the same time (e.g., bridging flocculation). The method can result in a reduction in the interfacial tension of the stable emulsion, thereby reducing or eliminating the emulsion. The method can be used to economically remove or reduce emulsions in large amounts of wastewater.

[0065] Immersing the galvanic cell in an aqueous composition may form a salt comprising material from the aqueous composition (e.g., any suitable material in the aqueous composition that may form a salt, such as material initially present in the aqueous composition and / or a reaction product thereof formed during operation of the galvanic cell) and material from the anode (i.e., material produced at the anode during operation of the galvanic cell). The salt may be any suitable salt. For example, the salt may include a hydroxide salt. The salt may be precipitated in the aqueous composition. The method may include removing the precipitated salt from the treated aqueous composition.

[0066] The aqueous composition may comprise a dissolved transition metal, a post-transition metal, a metalloid, or a combination thereof, further comprising forming a hydroxide salt comprising a transition metal, a post-transition metal, or a metalloid during immersion of the primary cell in the aqueous composition. The salt may precipitate in the aqueous composition. The method may comprise removing the precipitated salt from the treated aqueous composition. The transition metal, post-transition metal, or metalloid may comprise Sc, Y, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Rf, Db, Sg, Bh, Hs, Al, Zn, Ga, Cd, In, Sn, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, Po, Cn, B, Si, Ge, As, Sb, Te, At, or a combination thereof. The transition metal, post-transition metal, or metalloid may include Hg, Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd, As, or a combination thereof.

[0067] The method may include forming H at the anode during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. 2 and HO - (e.g., generated on the surface of the anode). The method may include forming H at the cathode during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. 2 and HO - (e.g., generated on the cathode surface). The method may include forming H at the cathode during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. 2 O 2 , HO 2 - , or a combination thereof (e.g., generated on the cathode surface). The method may include applying shear to the aqueous composition during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. The shear may be sufficient to dislodge at least some of the bubbles (e.g., H ) from the surface of the anode, cathode, or a combination thereof. 2). The shearing may be sufficient to at least partially prevent or reduce the formation of oxides at the anode and / or cathode surfaces. Applying shear may include stirring and / or bubbling a gas (e.g., air) through the aqueous composition. In various embodiments, stirring or bubbling a gas may increase the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the aqueous composition, may at least partially polarize the cathode, may increase the amount of current generated, and / or may increase the amount of material released from the anode (e.g., Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof).

[0068] The method may include applying a mechanical force to the aqueous composition and / or to the galvanic cell while immersed therein, such as tapping, knocking, stirring, vibrating, ultrasound, etc. The mechanical force may be sufficient to dislodge at least some of the H-containing electrolyte from the surface of the anode, cathode, or combination thereof. 2 at least partially preventing the formation of oxides at the surface of the anode; at least partially preventing the agglomeration of salts and / or condensed particles formed in the aqueous composition during treatment with the galvanic cell on the anode surface, or a combination thereof.

[0069] The method may include adding an acid, a base, or a combination thereof to the aqueous composition to adjust its pH. The acid, the base, or a combination thereof may be added to the aqueous composition before immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, during immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, after immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, or a combination thereof.

[0070] The method may include recirculating the aqueous composition so that the aqueous composition contacts the galvanic cell multiple times. The aqueous composition may optionally be filtered during recirculation, such as to remove salts and / or coagulated particles therefrom.

[0071] The cathode of the galvanic cell may comprise Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof, such as Cu or a Cu alloy. The cathode may be a solid material that is primarily Cu, Ni, Fe, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof, or another material that is primarily coated with Cu, Ni and Fe, or an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. The cathode may be substantially free of materials other than Cu, Ni, Fe, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. The cathode may comprise a Ni-Cu alloy, a Ni-Fe alloy, a Cu-Fe alloy, or a combination thereof; in some embodiments, the use of copper or iron alloys may increase the current generated in the galvanic cell and may increase hydrogen production. The cathode can be about 50% to about 100% by weight of Cu, Ni, Fe, their alloys, or combinations thereof, about 90% to about 100% by weight, or less than, equal to, or greater than about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 82%, 84%, 86%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.9%, 99.99%, or about 99.999% by weight or more of Cu, Ni, Fe, their alloys, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the cathode comprises Cu and the anode comprises Mg. In some embodiments, the cathode comprises Cu and the anode comprises Al. The cathode can comprise one or more noble metals deposited thereon, such as on a cathode comprising copper. The one or more noble metals may be a particle deposition. The one or more noble metals may be Pt, Pb, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the cathode has no noble metal deposits thereon.

[0072] The anode can be a solid material with a composition that is approximately uniform, or it can be a coating on another material. The anode has a composition different from that of the cathode. The anode can contain Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof. The anode can include an alloy containing Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or an alloy thereof. Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, their alloys, or a combination thereof can be about 50% by weight to about 100% by weight of the anode, or less than, equal to, or greater than about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or about 99%, 99.5%, 99.9%, 99.99, or about 99.999% by weight or more. The anode can be substantially free of materials other than Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, their alloys, or a combination thereof.

[0073] The anode may further comprise Ag, Pt, Au, or a combination thereof. Ag, Pt, Au, or a combination thereof may be present in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, or about 0 wt %, or about 0.0001 wt % or less, or 0.0002 wt %, 0.0004 wt %, 0.0006 wt %, 0.0008 wt %, 0.0010 wt %, 0.0012 wt %, 0.0014 wt %, 0.0016 wt %, 0.0018 wt %, 0.0020 wt %, 0.0022 wt %, 0.0024 wt %, 0.0026 wt %, 0.0028 wt %, 0.0030 wt %, 0.0032 %, 0.0034 wt%, 0.0036 wt%, 0.0038 wt%, 0.0040 wt%, 0.0045 wt%, 0.0050 wt%, 0.0060 wt%, 0.0080 wt%, 0.01 wt%, 0.02 wt%, 0.04 wt%, 0.06 wt%, 0.08 wt%, 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 1 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 2 wt%, 4 wt%, 6 wt%, 8 wt%, 10 wt%, 12 wt%, 14 wt%, 16 wt%, 18 wt%, or about 20 wt% or more.

[0074] The anode may contain Mg or a Mg alloy. The anode may be substantially free of materials other than Mg or its alloy. The anode may be a magnesium alloy AZ91, which is about 90% by weight of Mg, about 9% by weight of Al, and about 1% by weight of Zn. The anode may be about 50% by weight to about 100% by weight of Mg or a Mg alloy, about 90% by weight to about 100% by weight of Mg or a Mg alloy, or less than, equal to, or greater than about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.9%, 99.99%, or about 99.999% by weight or more of Mg or a Mg alloy.

[0075] The anode may comprise Al. The anode may be substantially free of materials other than Al. The anode may be about 50% to about 100% by weight Al, about 90% to about 100% by weight Al, or less than, equal to, or greater than about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or about 99%, 99.5%, 99.9%, 99.99%, or about 99.999% by weight or more Al.

[0076] The galvanic cell may include a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode. The conductive connector has a different composition than the anode and the cathode. The conductive connection may be a solid material having a uniform composition, or may be a coating on another material. The conductive connector may contain Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Ni, Sn, Pb, or a combination thereof. The conductive connector may contain Cu. The conductive connector may contain Zn. The conductive connector may include an alloy containing Cu and Zn. The conductive connector may contain brass. The conductive connector may contain brass and may be substantially free of other materials. The conductive connector can be about 50% to about 100% brass, about 90% to about 100% brass, or less than, equal to, or greater than about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or about 99%, 99.5%, 99.9%, 99.99%, or about 99.999% or more brass.

[0077] The cathode may have a work function greater than that of the anode. For example, Cu has a work function of about 4.53-5.10 eV, Mg has a work function of about 3.66 eV, and Al has a work function of about 4.06-4.26 eV. The work function of the conductive connector may be between the work function of the cathode and the work function of the cathode.

[0078] During immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, the aqueous composition may have any suitable conductivity, such as from about 100 μS to about 1,000,000 μS, or from about 300 μS to about 100,000 μS, or from about 100 μS to about 1,200 μS, or less than, equal to, or greater than about 100 μS, 200 μS, 300 μS, 400 μS, 500 μS, 600 μS, 700 μS, 800 μS, 900 μS, 1,000 μS, or 1,200 μS. The method may not adjust the conductivity of the aqueous composition. In some embodiments, the method may include adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition so that the conductivity is maintained at about 100 μS to about 1,000,000 μS, or about 300 μS to about 100,000 μS, or about 100 μS to about 1,200 μS, or less than, equal to, or greater than about 100 μS, 200 μS, 300 μS, 400 μS, 500 μS, 600 μS, 700 μS, 800 μS, 900 μS, 1,000 μS, or 1,200 μS. The aqueous composition may be about 1,000,000 μS or about 2,000,000 μS or about 1,000,000 μS or more. Adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition may include adjusting the rate at which fresh aqueous composition is introduced into the galvanic cell. Adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition may include adding one or more salts to the aqueous composition. The salt may be added to the aqueous composition before immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, during immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, after immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, or a combination thereof. The one or more salts added to the aqueous composition to adjust its conductivity may include a halogen salt, a sodium salt, a potassium salt, or a combination thereof. The one or more salts added to the aqueous composition to adjust its conductivity may include sodium chloride.

[0079] When the galvanic cell is immersed in the aqueous composition, an electric current can be generated. The amount of current generated by the galvanic cell can be any suitable amount of current, such as about 0.001 mA / cm 2 to about 10mA / cm 2 , 0.01mA / cm2 to about 0.5 mA / cm 2 , or less than, equal to, or greater than about 0.001 mA / cm 2 , 0.005mA / cm 2 , 0.01mA / cm 2 , 0.015mA / cm 2 , 0.02mA / cm 2 , 0.025mA / cm 2 , 0.03mA / cm 2 , 0.035mA / cm 2 , 0.04mA / cm 2 , 0.045mA / cm 2 , 0.05mA / cm 2 , 0.06mA / cm 2 , 0.07mA / cm 2 , 0.08mA / cm 2 , 0.09mA / cm 2 , 0.1mA / cm 2 , 0.15mA / cm 2 , 0.2mA / cm 2 , 0.25mA / cm 2 , 0.3mA / cm 2 , 0.35mA / cm 2 , 0.4mA / cm 2 , 0.45mA / cm 2 , 0.5mA / cm 2 , 0.6mA / cm 2 , 0.7mA / cm 2 , 0.8mA / cm 2 , 0.9mA / cm 2 , 1mA / cm 2 , 1.2mA / cm 2 , 1.5mA / cm 2 , 2mA / cm 2 , 2.5mA / cm 2 , 3mA / cm 2 , 4mA / cm 2 , 5mA / cm 2 , 6mA / cm 2 , 7mA / cm 2 , 8mA / cm 2 , 9mA / cm 2 or about 10mA / cm 2 or larger.

[0080] The method may not perform any steps to adjust the pH of the treated aqueous composition. In some embodiments, the method may include adjusting the pH of the treated aqueous composition to between about 6 and 8, or about 7, or less than, equal to, or greater than about 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, or about 8 or more.

[0081] The method may include immersing one or more galvanic cells in a housing containing an aqueous composition to form a solid containing materials (e.g., precipitates, salts, and / or condensed particles) from the aqueous composition. The method may include filtering solids from the treated aqueous composition via one or more filters, the one or more filters being at least partially immersed in the aqueous composition immersed in the galvanic cell. The filter may include glass frit, a fabric filter, a paper filter, a disc filter, a rotary filter, a drum filter, a screen, a sieve, a particle filter medium, a filter aid, or a combination thereof. The filter may be a rotary disc filter. Filtration may include forming a filter cake on the filter, the filter cake containing solids containing materials from the aqueous composition. Filtration may include backwashing the filter to remove the filter cake from the filter and form a backwash solution containing the removed filter cake. Any suitable water may be used to backwash the filter, such as a portion of the aqueous composition containing precipitates.

[0082] One or more galvanic cells can be positioned in the aqueous composition at a side of the housing, wherein the filter is positioned in the aqueous composition generally in a center portion of the housing such that the filter is located between the plurality of galvanic cells. The method can include using a plurality of filters. The plurality of filters can include a plurality of spinning disc filters.

[0083] The galvanic cell may include a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Ni, Sn, Pb, or a combination thereof. The conductive connector may comprise zinc. The conductive connector may be brass. Direct contact between the anode and the cathode (e.g., Mg / Cu or Al / Cu) may form a metal film (e.g., a passivation film) at the contact point, which increases the resistance and thus reduces the amount of ions (e.g., magnesium or aluminum ions) formed by the electrode at that location. Metals with Fermi levels between the anode and the cathode may reduce or completely avoid this problem, thereby providing higher, more consistent, and more durable current and ion generation in the galvanic cell, and may provide a more uniform and consistent dissolution of the aluminum or magnesium used in the electrode.

[0084] In some embodiments, the anode and cathode are in direct contact with each other and the galvanic cell has no conductive connector, so that the electrodes are in an "electric-free" configuration. In the electric-free configuration, the sacrificial anode material can be electrochemically plated or deposited on the non-sacrificial cathode material, so that no conductive connector is required to electrically connect the anode and cathode. An advantage of various embodiments of the electric-free configuration is that less metallic copper can be used and the electric drop between the electrodes can be reduced compared to configurations that include conductive connectors.

[0085] The primary cell may include one cathode or multiple cathodes. The primary cell may include one anode or multiple anodes. The primary cell may not include a conductive connector, include one conductive connector or multiple conductive connectors. The primary cell may include multiple conductive connectors, each of which independently electrically connects the anode and the cathode (e.g., in a parallel configuration rather than a series configuration). The multiple conductive connectors may be roughly evenly distributed around the periphery of the primary cell. The conductive connector may include a connector or a fastener, such as a screw, a bolt, a nut, a washer, or a combination thereof.

[0086] The galvanic cells may be of any suitable size or configuration such that the surface area of ​​the galvanic cells per unit volume of the aqueous composition is sufficient so that the one or more galvanic cells have the desired treatment effect on the aqueous composition during the residence time of the aqueous composition in the one or more galvanic cells. The galvanic cells may have any suitable total surface area per galvanic cell, or total anode surface area per cell exposed to the aqueous composition, such as about 1 cm 2 to about 1,000,000cm 2 , about 5cm 2 to about 200,000cm 2 , about 10cm 2 to about 50,000cm 2 , about 20cm 2 to about 40,000cm 2 , or about 1cm 2 or smaller, or less than, equal to, or greater than 2 cm 2 、4cm 2 、6cm 2 、8cm 2 , 10cm 2 、15cm 2 , 20cm 2 、25cm 2 、30cm 2 、35cm 2 、40cm 2 、45cm 2 , 50cm 2 、75cm 2 , 100cm2 、150cm 2 , 200cm 2 、250cm 2 , 500cm 2 、750cm 2 、1,000cm 2 、1,500cm 2 、2,000cm 2 、2,500cm 2 、5,000cm 2 、7,500cm 2 、10,000cm 2 、15,000cm 2 、20,000cm 2 、25,000cm 2 、30,000cm 2 、35,000cm 2 、40,000cm 2 、45,000cm 2 、50,000cm 2 、75,000cm 2 、100,000cm 2 、150,000cm 2 、200,000cm 2 、500,000cm 2 、750,000cm 2 , or about 1000000cm 2The galvanic cell can have any suitable ratio of anode surface area to cathode surface area, such as a ratio of anode surface area exposed to the aqueous composition to cathode surface area exposed to the aqueous composition, such as about 0.001 to about 10, 0.01 to 1, 0.5 to 2, or less than, equal to, or greater than about 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.8, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or about 10 or more. In some embodiments, the battery can be a Cu-Al battery in which the Cu surface area is greater than the Al surface area. A high surface area cathode material (e.g., for a Cu cathode with an Al anode) can be used, such as Cu nanoparticles, Cu sponge, Cu mesh, porous or etched Cu, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the anode, cathode, or a combination thereof includes a roughened or etched surface for enhanced surface area. For the methods described herein, any suitable number of primary cells can be used, such as 1, 1 to 1,000,000, 1 to 1,000, 1 to 20, or less than, equal to, or greater than 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 125, 150, 175 , 200, 225, 250, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1,000, 1,250, 1,500, 1,750, 2,000, 2,500, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 250,000, 500,000, or about 1,000,000 or more. The cells can be used in series or parallel arrangements.

[0087] The galvanic cell may include between the anode surface and the cathode surface (e.g., between the cathode and at least about 50% to 100%, or about 80% to about 100%, or less than, equal to, or greater than about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or about 99% or more of the anode surface area) about 1 mm to about 110 mm, or about 2 mm to about 30 mm, or less than, equal to, or greater than about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 26 mm, 27 mm, 28 mm, 29 mm, 30 mm, 31 mm, 32 mm, 33 mm, 34 mm, 35 mm, 36 mm, 37 mm, 38 mm, 39 mm, 40 mm, 41 mm, 42 mm, 43 mm, 44 mm, 45 mm, 46 mm, 47 mm, 48 mm, 49 mm, 50 mm, 51 mm, 52 mm, 53 mm, 54 mm, 55 mm, 56 mm, 57 mm, 58 mm, 59 mm, 60 mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 21mm, 22mm, 23mm, 24mm, 25mm, 26mm, 27, 28mm, 29mm, 30mm, 32mm, 34mm, 36mm, 38mm, 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, 55mm, 60mm, 65mm, 70mm, 75mm, 80mm, 85mm, 90mm, 95mm, 100mm, 105mm, or about 110mm or larger intervals.

[0088] The galvanic cell can be in a planar form with a thickness less than the height and width. The galvanic cell can include a planar frame of the galvanic cell and a cathode material contained within the periphery of the frame, wherein the cathode material is electrically connected to the frame (e.g., via direct contact therewith). The frame can be a structural component of the galvanic cell. The frame is structurally sufficient to maintain its shape without any anode or without all anodes. Both the planar frame and the cathode material contained within the periphery of the frame can be cathodes.

[0089] The planar frame may be a non-porous solid material. The planar frame may be one or more cathode material strips assembled to form a frame. The planar frame may have a polygonal perimeter, such as a square or rectangular. The cathode material contained within the perimeter of the planar frame may include a porous cathode material, such as a sheet comprising a wire, a mesh, a screen, one or more through holes, or a combination thereof. The porous cathode material may include a wire mesh or a wire screen containing the porous cathode material. The porous cathode material contained within the perimeter of the planar frame may have an edge sandwiched between two planar frames, which are held together to secure the porous cathode material therebetween using one or more conductive connectors, such as via compression, via a conductive connector passing through one or more through holes of the porous cathode material, or a combination thereof.

[0090] The galvanic cell may include a plurality of pairs of planar frames (e.g., 2 to 20 pairs, or 2 to 10 pairs, or less than, equal to, or greater than 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 or more pairs), wherein each pair of planar frames is held together to secure a porous cathode material therebetween using one or more conductive connectors, and each pair of planar frames is separated by one or more anodes spanning the porous cathode material contained within the perimeter of the planar frames. The one or more anodes separating each pair of planar frames from each other may directly contact a face of each pair of planar frames separated by them. The one or more anodes separating each pair of planar frames from each other may directly contact a face of one of each pair of planar frames separated by them, and may not directly contact a face of another of each pair of planar frames separated by them.

[0091] The anode may be a strip fastened to the planar frame at two edges of the planar frame, wherein the anode is fastened to the planar frame at each of the two edges of the planar frame using at least one conductive connector so that the anode spans the cathode material contained within the perimeter of the planar frame, thereby forming a gap between the cathode material contained within the perimeter of the planar frame and the anode strip. The anode and cathode may directly contact each other at each of the edges of the planar frame, wherein the anode is fastened to the planar frame via at least one conductive connector.

[0092] A galvanic cell may include a plurality of anodes, wherein each anode is a strip fastened to a planar frame at two edges of a planar frame on a face of the frame, wherein each anode is fastened to the planar frame at each of the two edges of the planar frame using at least one conductive connector so that each anode spans cathode material contained within the perimeter of the planar frame, thereby forming a gap between the cathode material contained within the perimeter of the planar frame and the anode strips, wherein the plurality of anodes are spaced apart across the face so that they are not in physical contact with each other. Each anode may span cathode material contained within the perimeter of the planar frame substantially parallel to each other on the face; the anodes on the other face of the planar frame may be parallel or perpendicular to the anodes on the first face. The two edges of the planar frame on which each anode is fastened may be opposing edges of the planar frame. The galvanic cell may have all of its anodes on a single major face of the planar frame, or some anodes may be on one major face of the planar frame and other anodes on the other major face of the frame.

[0093] Figure 1AA galvanic cell 110 is shown as viewed from the main face according to various embodiments. The galvanic cell 110 includes a cathode, wherein the cathode includes a planar frame 120 of the galvanic cell having a polygonal perimeter and a porous material 130 contained within the perimeter of the frame, the porous material 130 being a wire mesh or wire screen in direct contact with the frame. The galvanic cell 110 includes a plurality of anodes 140, wherein each anode is a strip fastened to the planar frame at two opposite edges of the planar frame on the face of the planar frame. Each anode is fastened to the planar frame at each of the two edges of the planar frame using at least one conductive connector 150, so that each anode is substantially parallel to each other and spans the porous material contained within the perimeter of the planar frame, thereby forming a gap (not shown) between the porous material contained within the perimeter of the planar frame and the anode strip. Each anode directly contacts the cathode frame at each of the edges of the planar frame, wherein the anode is fastened to the planar frame via at least one conductive connector. Conductive connectors (not shown) that only pass through the planar frame 120 can also be used to fix the porous material 130 therebetween. The plurality of anodes are spaced apart across the face such that they are not in physical contact with each other, and wherein the gap (not shown) is from about 1 mm to about 110 mm.

[0094] Figure 1B Shown along Figure 1A An enlarged cross-sectional side view of a galvanic cell 110 viewed from the right side is shown. The galvanic cell may include a plurality of pairs of planar frames 120, wherein each pair of planar frames is held together to secure a porous cathode material 130 therebetween using one or more conductive connectors (not shown). An anode 140 spans across the porous cathode material 130 contained within the perimeter of the planar frames 120. Each pair of planar frames 120 is supported by an anode 140 ( Figure 1B One or more anodes 140 that separate each pair of planar frames from each other directly contact the face of each pair of planar frames 120 that are separated by them.

[0095] The method may include adding an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, to the aqueous composition. Any suitable amount of an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, may be present in or added to the aqueous composition, such as 0.1 ppm to 1000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide (i.e., at a concentration measured in the aqueous composition), 1 ppm to 500 ppm, 1 ppm to 200 ppm, or less than or equal to 1000 ppm and greater than or equal to 0.1 ppm, 0.5 ppm, 1 ppm, 2 ppm, 3 ppm, 4 ppm, 5 ppm, 6 ppm, 8 ppm, 10 ppm, 12 ppm, 14 ppm, m, 16 ppm, 18 ppm, 20 ppm, 25 ppm, 30 ppm, 35 ppm, 40 ppm, 45 ppm, 50 ppm, 60 ppm, 70 ppm, 80 ppm, 90 ppm, 100 ppm, 120 ppm, 140 ppm, 160 ppm, 180 ppm, 200 ppm, 250 ppm, 300 ppm, 400 ppm, 500 ppm, 600 ppm, 700 ppm, 800 ppm, or 900 ppm of hydrogen peroxide.

[0096] The cathode may comprise a porous material or may be a porous material, such as a wire mesh or screen. The cathode may have a planar form. The anode may comprise a planar non-porous form, such as a rod, plate or strip. The galvanic cell may comprise one cathode, or more than one cathode. The galvanic cell may comprise one and not more than one cathode. The galvanic cell may have two and not more than two cathodes. The galvanic cell may comprise one and not more than one anode.

[0097] The cathode can be connected to the anode via at least one conductive connector. The conductive connector can be any conductive connector described herein, such as a weld, a fastener, a threaded fastener, or a combination thereof. The conductive connector can include a screw, a bolt, a bracket, a nut, a washer, or a combination thereof. The conductive connector can be a fastener assembly. The conductive connector can maintain a gap between the cathode and the anode. The gap may be about 1 mm to about 110 mm, or about 2 mm to about 30 mm, or less than or equal to about 110 mm and less than or equal to about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 26 mm, 27 mm, 28 mm, 29 mm, 30 mm, 32 mm, 34 mm, 36 mm, 38 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm, 95 mm, 100 mm, or about 105 mm. The gap may be substantially uniform across the cell. The galvanic cell may have no direct contact between the anode and one or more cathodes secured thereto via one or more conductive connectors. In some embodiments, the conductive connectors of the galvanic cells described herein are replaced by non-conductive connectors having a similar physical form (e.g., bolts, nuts, and / or washers) but formed of a non-conductive material such as plastic; in such embodiments, another suitable electrical connection may be made from the anode to the cathode, such as via a potentiostat or wire.

[0098] The galvanic cell may include an anode, wherein the anode includes a planar non-porous form. The galvanic cell may include a cathode, wherein the cathode includes a wire mesh. The cathode may be arranged parallel to a major face of the planar non-porous form of the anode, such that a gap is formed between the major face of the planar non-porous form of the anode and the cathode. The galvanic cell may also include at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode, wherein the conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and the major face of the planar non-porous form of the anode.

[0099] The galvanic cell may include a single anode (e.g., no more than one anode), wherein the anode includes a planar non-porous form. The galvanic cell may include two cathodes, wherein each cathode includes a wire mesh. The cathodes may be arranged parallel to opposing major faces of the planar non-porous form of the anode such that they form a gap. The galvanic cell may include at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode, wherein the conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and the major faces of the planar non-porous form of the anode.

[0100] The galvanic cell may include a single anode, wherein the anode comprises Mg, and wherein the anode comprises a planar non-porous form. The galvanic cell may include two cathodes, wherein the cathode comprises Cu, and wherein each cathode comprises a wire mesh. The cathodes may be arranged parallel to the opposing major faces of the planar non-porous form of the anode so that they form a gap. The galvanic cell may also include at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode, wherein the conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and the major faces of the planar non-porous form of the anode.

[0101] The galvanic cell may include a single anode comprising Al, wherein the anode comprises a planar non-porous form. The galvanic cell may include two cathodes comprising Cu, wherein each cathode comprises a wire mesh. The cathodes may be arranged parallel to the opposing major faces of the planar non-porous form of the anode such that they form a gap. The galvanic cell may also include at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode, wherein the conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and the major faces of the planar non-porous form of the anode.

[0102] Figure 2 A side view of a galvanic cell 200 is shown according to various embodiments. The galvanic cell includes a planar non-porous anode 210 to which a wire mesh cathode 220 is connected in a parallel configuration via a conductive connector 230 to maintain a gap between the cathode and the major surface of the anode. The anode can be an aluminum plate. The cathode can be a copper wire mesh. The conductive connector can be a brass fastener assembly such as a bolt, nut, and washer.

[0103] Figure 3 The major faces of a galvanic cell 200 are shown according to various embodiments. The galvanic cell includes a planar non-porous anode (not shown) to which a wire mesh cathode 220 is connected in a parallel configuration via a conductive connector 230 to maintain a gap between the major faces of the cathode and the anode. The galvanic cell includes a hole 240 passing through the galvanic cell.

[0104] Figure 4 Shown are side and major views of a galvanic cell 200, according to various embodiments. The galvanic cell includes a planar non-porous anode 210 to which a wire mesh cathode 220 is connected in a parallel configuration via a conductive connector 230. The galvanic cell includes a hole 240 passing through the galvanic cell.

[0105] The method can include immersing a plurality of galvanic cells in an aqueous composition. A plurality of galvanic cells can be connected to one or more structural connectors respectively. The structural connector can include a rod, a tube, a beam, a hanger, a bracket, a hook or a combination thereof. The structural connector can include a non-conductive material, such as plastic (e.g., nylon, PVC, polyethylene or a combination thereof). The structural connector can include a conductive material, such as a metal alloy (e.g., carbon steel, stainless steel or another steel alloy). In some embodiments, the conductive material is coated with a non-conductive material, such as a non-conductive coating (e.g., an epoxy-based coating), or wrapped with a non-conductive material (e.g., a plastic tube or a pipe). The structural connector can include a carbon steel rod coated with an epoxy-based coating. The galvanic cell can be removably connected to one or more structural connectors. The galvanic cell can be suspended on one or more structural connectors respectively.

[0106] In various embodiments, the galvanic cells can include one or more apertures therethrough, wherein the one or more structural connectors are coupled to the galvanic cells via the one or more apertures in each galvanic cell.

[0107] The galvanic cell can include immersing a plurality of galvanic cells in an aqueous composition, wherein the galvanic cells are each connected to one or more structural connectors. Each galvanic cell can include a single anode, the anode comprising Mg, Al or a combination thereof, wherein the anode comprises a planar non-porous form. Each galvanic cell can include two cathodes, the cathode comprising Cu, wherein each cathode comprises a wire mesh, wherein the cathode is arranged to be parallel to the relative main face of the planar non-porous form of the anode, so that they form a gap. Each galvanic cell can include at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode, wherein the conductive connector maintains a gap between the main face of the planar non-porous form of the cathode and the anode.

[0108] Figure 5 A side view of a plurality of primary cells 500 is shown, according to various embodiments. Figure 5 A total of 11 galvanic cells are shown, each comprising a planar non-porous anode, two wire mesh cathodes connected thereto in a parallel configuration on either side of the anode via three conductive connectors that maintain a gap between the cathode and the anode. A plurality of galvanic cells include a support rod 510 that passes through a hole in each cell. A plurality of galvanic cells can be secured by and suspended from the support rod.

[0109] Figure 6 Shown from Figure 5 A view of a plurality of galvanic cells showing the main faces of the cells. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the frames at the ends of the multiple batteries hold the support rods that support the batteries.

[0110] Figure 7 Shown from Figure 6 A view of a plurality of primary cells showing the side, top and main faces of the cells. A group of cells can be easily removed for maintenance by lifting the support rods that support the group of cells.

[0111] The terms and expressions used are used as terms of description rather than limitation, and the use of these terms and expressions is not intended to exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described or parts thereof, but it should be recognized that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed through specific embodiments and optional features, those of ordinary skill in the art may make modifications and changes to the concepts disclosed herein, and such modifications and changes are considered to be within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0112] Example

[0113] Various embodiments of the present invention may be better understood by reference to the following examples which are provided by way of illustration.The present invention is not limited to the examples given herein.

[0114] The embodiments of PCT / US2020 / 037405 and PCT / US2020 / 037407 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0115] Part I. Galvanic Cell with Copper Frame / Mesh Cathode and Aluminum Strip Anode

[0116] Unless otherwise noted, for the small batteries with copper cathodes and aluminum anodes used in this section of the examples, the final dimensions were 5 cm × 20 cm, the thickness was about 4 mm, and the copper mesh and anode used each had a thickness of about 1 mm. The aluminum anode was 99.9% by weight pure aluminum (6061 aluminum alloy). The copper used in the copper frame and copper mesh was 99.9% by weight pure copper. The small battery included a single pair of copper meshes and an anode sandwiched therebetween, with a copper mesh and an anode separated from the copper mesh by 0.5 cm using an electrically insulating plastic screw. The copper meshes were electrically connected to each other via copper wires. The anode and cathode were not electrically connected to each other (except via a multimeter and the surrounding water). The resulting surface area of ​​the sacrificial anode exposed to water was about 400 mm for each battery. 2 .

[0117] Example 1. Effect of relative surface area of ​​electrodes

[0118] Using a small Al-Cu galvanic cell, laboratory experiments showed that while keeping the Cu electrode surface constant, increasing the Al surface produced no noticeable change in the current circulating in the cell. However, when the Cu electrode surface was increased while keeping the Al electrode surface constant, the current in the cell increased. Figure 8 A side view of the battery used is shown in FIG.

[0119] The results show that the reactions on the copper surface are initiators of the overall chemical process occurring in the battery (e.g., these reactions are the rate-limiting step of the overall process). This result has important practical implications, because designs with Cu nanoparticles or Cu sponge electrodes, copper mesh, or other high surface area forms of copper can therefore increase the amount of aluminum ions produced (or increase the current) for the same potential difference (voltage) of the galvanic cell.

[0120] Fig.9A Plots of current versus time are shown for four different Al-Cu galvanic cells of single-sided Cu mesh, double-sided Cu mesh, three-sided Cu mesh, and four-sided Cu mesh. Fig. 9B Shown according to Fig.9A The relationship between the current and time is shown in the graph of the milligrams of aluminum ions produced and the time. The results show that increasing the surface area of ​​the Cu electrode increases the current in the galvanic cell and therefore increases the amount of aluminum ions produced each time.

[0121] Example 2. Effect of air agitation

[0122] Laboratory and pilot scale (50 GPM) data from small Al-Cu galvanic cells indicate that agitation with air leads to depolarization of the cathode electrode due to an increase in dissolved oxygen in the water. The reduction of molecular oxygen and the decomposition of water at the cathode together lead to a 20-30% increase in current, thus increasing the amount of aluminum ions released into solution. Fig.10 A graph of current versus conductivity is shown and illustrates the increased current at the same conductivity when air agitation is used.

[0123] Example 3. Textile Industry

[0124] In the textile industry, when Al and Fe electrodes are used in electrolytic electrocoagulation systems, the removal of colorants has been reported. Galvanic cells produce the same effect, with the advantage that no external energy is applied, which significantly reduces the passivation process, and operate at a much lower anode consumption rate (e.g., about 10 times or more of consumption is lower). Experiments conducted in our laboratory have verified that treatment with Al-Cu galvanic cells has a very good effect in removing dye molecules, such as azo dyes, such as methyl orange and 2-naphthol orange (i.e., No. 2 orange or acid orange 7). In addition, galvanic treatment of water samples from textile treatment plants with Al-Cu cells caused a reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and a reduction in turbidity.

[0125] The azo dye compound Orange II is widely used in the textile industry. Various wastewaters from the textile industry contain residual amounts of this compound at concentrations higher than permitted by environmental regulations. The following experimental work demonstrates the removal of Orange II dye from water using an Al-Cu galvanic cell.

[0126] A solution containing 12 ppm Orange II and 1 g / L NaCl was prepared in the laboratory to demonstrate the removal efficiency of the Al-Cu galvanic cell. Fig.11 The UV-VIS spectrum recorded over time in contact with a small Al-Cu galvanic cell in this solution is shown. The galvanic cell was not completely immersed in the solution containing the dye. The surface of the aluminum plate is 160 cm 2 , the ratio of aluminum surface area to solution volume is 0.162 cm 2 / cm 3 Before each spectral measurement, the solution was filtered through a 0.45 μm filter.

[0127] exist Fig.11 In the spectrum recorded over time, a decrease in absorbance is observed due to the adsorption of Orange II molecules on freshly hydrolyzed aluminum particles (product of the oxidation of the aluminum plates in the galvanic cell). Fig.12 The percentage removal of No. 2 Orange (obtained from the signal at 486 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum) over time is shown, which shows a first-order relationship between the adsorption of No. 2 Orange dye and the aluminum particles in the suspension. The rate constant calculated from the figure is an apparent rate constant because the removal kinetics of No. 2 Orange dye depends on the number of aluminum particles generated, which in turn depends on the aluminum surface area / solution volume ratio and the conductivity of the solution.

[0128] The galvanic method for removing soluble dyes represents a significant advance over conventional removal methods for Orange II dye, since adsorption occurs on hydrolyzed aluminum particles in suspension rather than on the aluminum plate surface. This avoids the need for a clean-in-place process or removal and regeneration of the adsorbent material used in conventional methods. Based on the measured galvanic current, the amount of aluminum produced is estimated to be between 5-6 ppm, sufficient to remove 80% of the initial Orange II dye concentration. This represents a low consumption of aluminum when compared to coagulation produced, for example, by chemical addition of aluminum salts or by an electrolytic electrocoagulation process.

[0129] Example 4. Reduction of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

[0130] Table 1 shows the effect of chemical oxygen demand on various aqueous compositions treated by the galvanic process. During the galvanic treatment, air was bubbled through the composition.

[0131] Table 1. COD reduction of various aqueous compositions

[0132]

[0133] Small Al / Cu cells were used for all aqueous compositions except the treatment plant effluent, which was treated with the following galvanic cell: The cell consisted of a copper cathode and an aluminum anode, with a final size of 10 cm × 160 cm, a thickness of about 6 mm, and a copper mesh. The aluminum anode was 6061 aluminum alloy. The copper mesh was 99.9% pure copper. The cell consisted of a single pair of copper mesh and an anode sandwiched therebetween, with the copper mesh and the anode separated from the copper mesh by 0.5 cm using a brass screw. A total of 192 cells were used. The resulting surface area of ​​the sacrificial anode exposed to the water was about 3200 cm per cell. 2 .

[0134] Example 5. Removal of Silica from Water

[0135] Although silica in its different forms is not harmful to animal and human life, some industrial processes require its elimination. For example, the accumulation of colloidal silica and its dissolution in cooling towers and evaporation towers is a big problem due to silica scaling, which leads to high maintenance costs, treatment water discharge, use of anti-fouling chemical additives and downtime. In processes using reverse osmosis, such as desalination or drinking water treatment processes, scaling of silica in the reverse osmosis membrane involves expensive chemical treatment and reduced membrane service life. Galvanic cells represent a cost-effective way to remove silica from water. Table 2 illustrates the removal of silica from synthetic water using a galvanic method utilizing a small Al / Cu cell. Silica was removed by adding 5 g of NaCl and various amounts of Na 2 SiO 3 To form synthetic water. Synthetic water has a pH of 8-8.5.

[0136] Table 2. Removal of silica from synthetic water

[0137] sample# <![CDATA[Inlet SiO 3 2- (ppm)]]> <![CDATA[Silica in effluent water 3 2- (ppm)]]> <![CDATA[SiO 3 2- % reduction]]> <![CDATA[Al 3+ Release amount (ppm)]]> 1 43 25 41.9 11.3 2 42 23 45.2 12.1 3 27 11 59.3 11.6 4 30 14 53.3 11.2 5 19 6 68.4 17 6 20 9 55.0 13

[0138] Example 6. Reduction of turbidity of oil / water emulsions

[0139] Table 3 shows the turbidity of synthetic oil / water emulsion reduced using the galvanic method utilizing small Al / Cu battery. By 1mL of cutting oil and automobile engine oil 1: 1 weight: weight mixture is mixed with 1000mL tap water and adds 5gNaCl to form synthetic oil / water emulsion. The resulting synthetic oil / water emulsion has a pH of 6.6. After using the galvanic method, before the turbidity test, the resulting water is filtered with a 1 micron cloth filter. The unit for turbidity in Table 3 is nephelometric unit (NTU). Use a single detector to measure turbidity at 90 degrees with the incident beam.

[0140] Table 3. Reduction of turbidity of oil / water emulsions

[0141]

[0142] Part II. Galvanic Cell with Aluminum Strip Anode and Copper Mesh Cathode

[0143] The aluminum anode was a 6061 aluminum alloy, which was 97.9 wt% Al, 0.6 wt% Si, 1 wt% Mg, 0.2 wt% Cr, and 0.28 wt% Cu. The copper used in the copper mesh was 99.9 wt% pure copper.

[0144] Experiments were conducted using Lake Okeechobee as source water to determine the effects of hydrogen peroxide on the behavior of an Al-Cu galvanic cell. Lake Okeechobee is the largest lake in Florida and is located in the southern part of the state. This lake, like many other lakes, is highly contaminated with excess nutrients.

[0145] The studies were carried out using linear voltammetry with two electrodes and an Autolab potentiostat / galvanostat model PGSTAT302N. Figure 2-4 The galvanic cell is the same physical form and arrangement as shown, except that a plastic bolt, plastic nut and plastic washer are used instead of a conductive connector to secure the cathode to the anode. The galvanic cell comprises two pieces of copper screen used as cathode and the anode, which is a solid aluminum rod measuring 1.8 cm × 1.1 cm × 0.5 cm with a surface area of ​​about 2 cm on each major face. 2 . The copper screen was secured to the aluminum bar at two locations using plastic bolts, plastic nuts, and plastic washers so that the copper screen was parallel to the major face of the anode and a 3 mm gap was maintained between the copper screen and the major face of the anode. In this portion of the embodiment, batch processing was performed without stirring of the water, which was Lake Okeechobee water from the S-191 waterway, having a conductivity of approximately 400 μS. A single one of these cells was tested in this portion of the embodiment. Although in this portion of the embodiment, a non-conductive plastic connector assembly is used in place of the conductive connector described herein because a potentiostat is used to electrically connect the cathode and anode, the potentiostat may be omitted and the conductive connector described herein may be used in place of the plastic connector assembly during use of the cell.

[0146] Linear voltammetry utilizes two electrodes and performs a progressive scan of (1) an applied potential difference in the opposite direction of the potential generated by the galvanic cell and (2) a current circulating between the two electrodes. When the applied potential is zero, the current recorded corresponds to the natural or intrinsic current of the galvanic cell under the conditions of study (where an increase in the potential difference in the cell results in a decrease in the circulating current). By increasing the external resistance, the current takes a value of zero when the applied potential difference is equal to the potential difference of the galvanic cell under operating conditions.

[0147] Fig.13The linear voltammogram of a galvanic cell in water with various amounts of added hydrogen peroxide is shown. Fig.13 It is observed that for a zero potential difference applied between the electrodes, the current increases linearly with the addition of hydrogen peroxide. It is also observed that the offset or displacement of the zero current operating potential of the primary cell moves to a more positive potential. The initial addition of hydrogen peroxide produces an offset or displacement of about 0.2V compared to the same measurement in the absence of hydrogen peroxide. The additional addition of hydrogen peroxide produces an even greater offset or displacement to a more positive potential. This relationship between the addition of hydrogen peroxide and the increased positive potential is defined by the Nernst equation. This behavior indicates that once hydrogen peroxide is added, the main cathode reaction is the reduction of the compound, rather than the decomposition of water that occurs in the absence of hydrogen peroxide. The larger oxidation potential of hydrogen peroxide relative to water proves the rationality of the positive potential displacement. In all curves, two regions with different current and potential slope relationships can be formed, the slope at low current is determined by the resistance of the water between the two electrodes, and the other slope at high current is determined by the reaction kinetics, especially the cathode reaction, inside or on the surface of the electrode. The increase in the addition of hydrogen peroxide expands the region associated with the resistance of water. If the rate-limiting reaction in the current-potential relationship is determined by the resistance of the solution between the electrodes, then the addition of hydrogen peroxide will not cause a change in the galvanic cell current at a constant conductivity. In contrast, if the rate-limiting step is the reduction of hydrogen peroxide at the cathode, then the addition or increase in the amount of hydrogen peroxide in the solution will result in an increase in the galvanic cell potential. Fig.13 It can be clearly seen that the addition of hydrogen peroxide leads to an increase in the potential of the galvanic cell, so the reaction mechanism must be between the cathode and the hydrogen peroxide in the solution, rather than the decomposition of water.

[0148] Using Faraday's law, the amount of aluminum ions released into solution can be calculated from the current circulating in the galvanic cell. Fig.14 Shown is the amount of aluminum ions produced per square foot of electrode surface area in the anode reaction of a galvanic cell at various amounts of added hydrogen peroxide. Fig.14 Shown according to Fig.13 The relationship between the flow rate of aluminum ions generated per unit area and the amount of hydrogen peroxide added is calculated from the maximum current value in the curve. The slope obtained by traditional linear regression, a positive value of 1.62, indicates the flow rate of aluminum ions generated per unit surface when 1 ppm of hydrogen peroxide is added. This relationship allows the concentration of aluminum ions in the solution to be completely controlled by controlling the addition of hydrogen peroxide.

[0149] Fig.15 The results show that the addition of OCl at various amounts - or H 2 O 2 The current in the original battery under the condition of . Fig.15 A comparison of the currents obtained in a galvanic cell when hypochlorite and an almost equally strong oxidant replace hydrogen peroxide in equal amounts is shown. Theoretically, the addition of H 2 O 2 and OCl - The relationship between the slope of the graph obtained and the molar concentration of the compound and the number of electrons transferred must have a value of approximately 3, however, the experimental value obtained for hydrogen peroxide shows a value of 5.75. The experiments carried out show that, for different amounts of added hydrogen peroxide, the ratio of the concentration of aluminum ions in the solution compared to the value calculated from the current measured in the galvanic cell represents an approximate agreement of 100%. It can be concluded that the added hydrogen peroxide is consumed by a galvanic process (galvanic reaction) due to its reduction on the surface of the copper electrode, in which OCl is used to react with the aluminum ions in the solution. - The same measurements performed showed that, in addition to its consumption by galvanic processes, additional consumption occurs via direct corrosion of the aluminum electrode and reactions with organic matter present in natural waters. This is evident from the difference between the slope values ​​obtained in the regression analysis of the reaction products of these two compounds. - The kinetic preference for hydrogen peroxide in the cathodic reduction compared to a direct first-order relationship for the compound allows us to control the reaction and generation rate of aluminum ions in solution by galvanic methods.

[0150] The addition of hydrogen peroxide favors the oxidation-disinfection process through direct reaction and the generation of OH radicals on the surface of the copper electrode.

[0151] Exemplary embodiments

[0152] The following exemplary embodiments are provided, the numbering of which should not be construed as designating a level of importance:

[0153] Embodiment 1 provides a method for treating an aqueous composition, the method comprising:

[0154] immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition, the galvanic cell comprising

[0155] an anode comprising Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof, and

[0156] A cathode having a different composition from the anode, the cathode comprising Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof.

[0157] Embodiment 2 provides the method of embodiment 1, wherein the primary cell is operated as a primary cell.

[0158] Embodiment 3 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-2, which includes not applying an external potential between the anode and cathode of the galvanic cell.

[0159] Embodiment 4 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the external potential applied between the anode and the cathode is 0V.

[0160] Embodiment 5 provides the method of any of embodiments 1-4, wherein the potential between the anode and the cathode is equal to the galvanic corrosion potential of the primary cell.

[0161] Embodiment 6 provides a method as described in any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein the method eliminates or reduces emulsions in the aqueous composition, coagulates and / or precipitates suspended solids from the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more organic compounds in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more inorganic compounds in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more dyes and / or inks in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more metals in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more heavy metals, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more toxic compounds and / or materials in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of fluoride in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of sulfide in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of arsenic in the aqueous composition, reduces the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the aqueous composition, reduces the turbidity of the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of silicon dioxide (e.g., SiO 3 2- ), or a combination thereof. For example, the method can be used to reduce the concentration of SiO in the aqueous composition. 3 2- 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.9%, or 99.99% decrease in the concentration of.

[0162] Embodiment 7 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the aqueous composition comprises wastewater and / or sewage from the following processes: food processing, landfill, laundry process (e.g., detergent sewage), industrial pulp or paper making process, industrial mining process, industrial textile process, metal processing process, metal polishing process, metal manufacturing process, industrial process in leather industry, petroleum industry process, marine wastewater, or a combination thereof.

[0163] Embodiment 8 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the aqueous composition comprises water taken from the following sources, including natural water sources in the environment, drinking water, industrial wastewater, industrial cooling water, or a combination thereof.

[0164] Embodiment 9 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the method eliminates or reduces emulsions in the aqueous composition.

[0165] Embodiment 10 provides the method of embodiment 9, wherein the aqueous composition comprises oil / water, water / oil emulsion, and / or latex emulsion, and wherein the treated aqueous composition comprises less oil / water, water / oil emulsion, and / or latex emulsion than the aqueous composition.

[0166] Embodiment 11 provides the method of any of embodiments 1-10, wherein the method coagulates and / or precipitates suspended solids from the aqueous composition.

[0167] Embodiment 12 provides the method of embodiment 11, wherein the aqueous composition comprises suspended solid particles, wherein the treated aqueous composition has a lower concentration of suspended solid particles than the aqueous composition.

[0168] Embodiment 13 provides the method of any of embodiments 11-12, further comprising removing coagulated material and / or precipitate from the treated aqueous composition.

[0169] Embodiment 14 provides the method of embodiment 13, wherein the removing comprises decantation, sedimentation, filtration, or a combination thereof.

[0170] Embodiment 15 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-14, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of one or more organic compounds in the aqueous composition.

[0171] Embodiment 16 provides the method of embodiment 15, wherein the treated aqueous composition has a lower concentration of one or more organic compounds than the aqueous composition.

[0172] Embodiment 17 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 15-16, wherein the method chemically converts the organic compound, degrades the organic compound, oxidizes the organic compound, reduces the organic compound, precipitates the organic compound, condenses the organic compound, reacts the organic compound with oxygen, reacts the organic compound with chlorine, reacts the organic compound with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0173] Embodiment 18 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-17, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of one or more inorganic compounds in the aqueous composition.

[0174] Embodiment 19 provides the method of embodiment 18, wherein the treated aqueous composition has a lower concentration of one or more inorganic compounds than the aqueous composition.

[0175] Embodiment 20 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 18-19, wherein the method chemically converts the inorganic compound, degrades the inorganic compound, oxidizes the inorganic compound, reduces the inorganic compound, precipitates the inorganic compound, condenses the inorganic compound, reacts the inorganic compound with oxygen, reacts the inorganic compound with chlorine, reacts the inorganic compound with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0176] Embodiment 21 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-20, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of one or more dyes and / or inks in the aqueous composition.

[0177] Embodiment 22 provides the method of embodiment 21, wherein the treated aqueous composition has a lower concentration of one or more dyes and / or inks than the aqueous composition.

[0178] Embodiment 23 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 21-22, wherein the method chemically converts one or more dyes and / or inks, degrades one or more dyes and / or inks, oxidizes one or more dyes and / or inks, reduces one or more dyes and / or inks, precipitates one or more dyes and / or inks, coagulates one or more dyes and / or inks, reacts one or more dyes and / or inks with oxygen, reacts one or more dyes and / or inks with chlorine, reacts one or more dyes and / or inks with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0179] Embodiment 24 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 1-23, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of one or more metals in the aqueous composition.

[0180] Embodiment 25 provides the method of Embodiment 24, wherein the treated aqueous composition has a lower concentration of one or more metals than the aqueous composition.

[0181] Embodiment 26 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 24-25, wherein the method chemically converts one or more metals, degrades one or more metals, oxidizes one or more metals, reduces one or more metals, precipitates one or more metals, condenses one or more metals, reacts one or more metals with oxygen, reacts one or more metals with chlorine, reacts one or more metals with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0182] Embodiment 27 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-26, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of one or more heavy metals.

[0183] Embodiment 28 provides the method of embodiment 27, wherein the treated aqueous composition has a lower concentration of one or more heavy metals than the aqueous composition.

[0184] Embodiment 29 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 27-28, wherein the method chemically converts one or more heavy metals, degrades one or more heavy metals, oxidizes one or more heavy metals, reduces one or more heavy metals, precipitates one or more heavy metals, condenses one or more heavy metals, reacts one or more heavy metals with oxygen, reacts one or more heavy metals with chlorine, reacts one or more heavy metals with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0185] Embodiment 30 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-29, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of one or more toxic compounds and / or materials in the aqueous composition.

[0186] Embodiment 31 provides the method of embodiment 30, wherein the treated aqueous composition has a lower concentration of one or more toxic compounds and / or materials than the aqueous composition.

[0187] Embodiment 32 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 30-31, wherein the method chemically converts one or more toxic compounds and / or materials, degrades one or more toxic compounds and / or materials, oxidizes one or more toxic compounds and / or materials, reduces one or more toxic compounds and / or materials, precipitates one or more toxic compounds and / or materials, condenses one or more toxic compounds and / or materials, reacts one or more toxic compounds and / or materials with oxygen, reacts one or more toxic compounds and / or materials with chlorine, reacts one or more toxic compounds and / or materials with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0188] Embodiment 33 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-32, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof in the aqueous composition.

[0189] Embodiment 34 provides the method of embodiment 33, wherein the treated aqueous composition has a lower concentration of fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof than the aqueous composition.

[0190] Embodiment 35 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 33-34, wherein the method chemically converts fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; degrades fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; oxidizes fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; reduces fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; precipitates fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; condenses fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; reacts fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof with oxygen; reacts fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof with chlorine; reacts fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode; or a combination thereof.

[0191] Embodiment 36 provides the method described in any one of embodiments 1-35, wherein the method reduces the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the aqueous composition. For example, the method can reduce the COD of the aqueous composition by 1% to 100%, or 1% to 99%, or 3% to 95%, or 5% to 85%, or less than or equal to 100% and greater than or equal to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 82%, 84%, 86%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.9%, or 99.99%.

[0192] Embodiment 37 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-36, wherein the method reduces the turbidity of the aqueous composition. For example, the method can reduce the turbidity of an aqueous composition (e.g., an oil / water or water / oil emulsion) by 1% to 100%, or 1% to 99.99%, or 80% to 99.999%, or 90% to 99.999%, or less than or equal to 100% and greater than or equal to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 82%, 84%, 86%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.9%, or 99.99%.

[0193] Embodiment 38 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-37, wherein the galvanic cell is immersed in the aqueous composition to form a salt comprising material from the aqueous composition and material from the anode.

[0194] Embodiment 39 provides the method of embodiment 38, wherein the salt comprises a hydroxide salt.

[0195] Embodiment 40 provides the method of any one of embodiments 38-39, further comprising removing salt from the treated aqueous composition.

[0196] Embodiment 41 provides a method as described in any of Embodiments 1-40, wherein the aqueous composition comprises dissolved transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids, or combinations thereof, further comprising forming a hydroxide salt comprising a transition metal, post-transition metal, or metalloid during immersion of the primary cell in the aqueous composition.

[0197] Embodiment 42 provides the method of embodiment 41, further comprising removing salt from the treated aqueous composition.

[0198] Embodiment 43 provides a method as described in any of Embodiments 41-42, wherein the transition metal, post-transition metal, or metalloid is Sc, Y, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Rf, Db, Sg, Bh, Hs, Al, Zn, Ga, Cd, In, Sn, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, Po, Cn, B, Si, Ge, As, Sb, Te, At, or a combination thereof.

[0199] Embodiment 44 provides the method of any of Embodiments 41-43, wherein the transition metal, post-transition metal, or metalloid is Hg, Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd, As, or a combination thereof.

[0200] Embodiment 45 provides a method as described in any one of embodiments 1-44, comprising forming H at the anode during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. 2 and HO - .

[0201] Embodiment 46 provides a method as described in any one of Embodiments 1-45, comprising forming H at the cathode during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. 2 and HO - .

[0202] Embodiment 47 provides a method as described in any one of Embodiments 1-46, comprising forming H at the cathode during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. 2 O 2 , HO 2 - , or a combination thereof.

[0203] Embodiment 48 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-47, further comprising adding an acid, a base, or a combination thereof to the aqueous composition to adjust its pH.

[0204] Embodiment 49 provides the method of embodiment 48, wherein an acid, a base, or a combination thereof is added to the aqueous composition before immersing the primary battery in the aqueous composition, during immersing the primary battery in the aqueous composition, after immersing the primary battery in the aqueous composition, or a combination thereof.

[0205] Embodiment 50 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-49, further comprising recirculating the aqueous composition so that the aqueous composition contacts the primary cell multiple times.

[0206] Embodiment 51 provides the method of any of embodiments 1-50, wherein immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition comprises partial immersion.

[0207] Embodiment 52 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-51, wherein immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition comprises complete immersion.

[0208] Embodiment 53 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-52, comprising immersing a plurality of primary cells in the aqueous composition.

[0209] Embodiment 54 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-53, wherein the cathode comprises Cu and the anode comprises Mg.

[0210] Embodiment 55 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-54, wherein the cathode comprises Cu and the anode comprises Al.

[0211] Embodiment 56 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-55, wherein the cathode comprises Cu.

[0212] Embodiment 57 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-56, wherein the cathode is substantially free of materials other than Cu.

[0213] Embodiment 58 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-57, wherein the cathode is about 50 wt % to about 100 wt % Cu.

[0214] Embodiment 59 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-58, wherein the cathode is about 90 wt % to about 100 wt % Cu.

[0215] Embodiment 60 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-59, wherein the cathode comprises a Cu alloy, a Fe alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0216] Embodiment 61 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-60, wherein the cathode comprises a Ni-Cu alloy, a Ni-Fe alloy, a Cu-Fe alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0217] Embodiment 62 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-61, wherein the anode comprises Al.

[0218] Embodiment 63 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-62, wherein the anode is substantially free of materials other than Al.

[0219] Embodiment 64 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-63, wherein the anode is about 50 wt % to about 100 wt % Al.

[0220] Embodiment 65 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-64, wherein the anode is about 90 wt % to about 100 wt % Al.

[0221] Embodiment 66 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-65, wherein the anode comprises an alloy comprising Mg and Al.

[0222] Embodiment 67 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-66, wherein Mg and Al are about 50 wt % to about 100 wt % of the anode.

[0223] Embodiment 68 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-67, wherein the anode is substantially free of materials other than Mg, Mg alloys, and Al.

[0224] Embodiment 69 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-68, wherein the anode further comprises Ag, Pt, Au, or a combination thereof.

[0225] Embodiment 70 provides the method of embodiment 69, wherein Ag, Pt, Au, or a combination thereof is about 0.0001 wt % to about 20 wt % of the anode.

[0226] Embodiment 71 provides the method of any of Embodiments 69-70, wherein Ag, Pt, Au, or a combination thereof is about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt % of the anode.

[0227] Embodiment 72 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 1-71, wherein the anode comprises Mg.

[0228] Embodiment 73 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-72, wherein the anode is substantially free of materials other than Mg or its alloys.

[0229] Embodiment 74 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-73, wherein the anode is about 50 wt % to about 100 wt % Mg or an alloy thereof.

[0230] Embodiment 75 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-74, wherein the anode is from about 90 wt % to about 100 wt % Mg or an alloy thereof.

[0231] Embodiment 76 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 1-75, wherein the anode and cathode of the primary cell are in direct contact with each other.

[0232] Embodiment 77 provides the method of any of embodiments 1-76, wherein the work function of the cathode is greater than the work function of the anode.

[0233] Embodiment 78 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 1-77, wherein the primary cell further comprises a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, and the conductive connector comprises Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Ni, Sn, Pb, or a combination thereof.

[0234] Embodiment 79 provides the method of embodiment 78, wherein the work function of the conductive connector is between the work function of the anode and the work function of the cathode.

[0235] Embodiment 80 provides the method of any of Embodiments 78-79, wherein the conductive connector comprises Cu.

[0236] Embodiment 81 provides the method of any of Embodiments 78-80, wherein the conductive connector comprises Zn.

[0237] Embodiment 82 provides the method of any of Embodiments 78-81, wherein the conductive connector comprises an alloy comprising Cu and Zn.

[0238] Embodiment 83 provides the method of any of Embodiments 78-82, wherein the conductive connector comprises brass.

[0239] Embodiment 84 provides the method of any of Embodiments 78-83, wherein the conductive connector comprises brass, wherein the conductive connector is substantially free of other materials.

[0240] Embodiment 85 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 78-84, wherein the primary cell comprises a plurality of conductive connectors, each conductive connector independently electrically connecting the anode and the cathode.

[0241] Embodiment 86 provides the method of embodiment 85, wherein the plurality of conductive connectors are roughly evenly distributed around the periphery of the primary cell.

[0242] Embodiment 87 provides the method of any of embodiments 78-86, wherein the conductive connector comprises a screw, a bolt, a nut, a washer, or a combination thereof.

[0243] Embodiment 88 provides the method described in any of embodiments 78-87, wherein the conductive connector comprises a screw or a bolt.

[0244] Embodiment 89 provides the method of any of embodiments 1-88, wherein the primary cell comprises multiple cathodes.

[0245] Embodiment 90 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 1-89, wherein the primary cell comprises a plurality of anodes.

[0246] Embodiment 91 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 1-90, wherein the ratio of the anode surface area to the cathode surface area of ​​the primary cell is from about 0.001 to about 10.

[0247] Embodiment 92 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 1-91, wherein the ratio of the anode surface area to the cathode surface area of ​​the primary cell is from about 0.01 to about 1.

[0248] Embodiment 93 provides the method of any of embodiments 1-92, wherein the cathode comprises a roughened or etched surface.

[0249] Embodiment 94 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-93, wherein during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, the conductivity of the aqueous composition is from about 100 μS to about 1,000,000 μS.

[0250] Embodiment 95 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-94, wherein during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, the conductivity of the aqueous composition is from about 300 μS to about 100,000 μS.

[0251] Embodiment 96 provides the method of any of embodiments 1-95, further comprising adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition so that the conductivity is from about 100 μS to about 1200 μS.

[0252] Embodiment 97 provides the method of embodiment 96, wherein adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition comprises adjusting the rate at which fresh aqueous composition is introduced into the galvanic cell.

[0253] Embodiment 98 provides the method of any of embodiments 96-97, wherein adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition comprises adding one or more salts to the aqueous composition.

[0254] Embodiment 99 provides the method of embodiment 98, wherein salt is added to the aqueous composition before immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, during immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, after immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, or a combination thereof.

[0255] Embodiment 100 provides the method of any of embodiments 98-99, wherein the one or more salts added to the aqueous composition to adjust its conductivity include a halogen salt, a sodium salt, a potassium salt, or a combination thereof.

[0256] Embodiment 101 provides the method of any of embodiments 98-100, wherein the one or more salts added to the aqueous composition to adjust its conductivity comprises sodium chloride.

[0257] Embodiment 102 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-101, further comprising separating the treated aqueous composition from the primary cell.

[0258] Embodiment 103 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-102, wherein the anode is a sacrificial anode.

[0259] Embodiment 104 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-103, further comprising applying shear to the aqueous composition during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition.

[0260] Embodiment 105 provides the method of embodiment 104, wherein applying shear to the aqueous composition comprises bubbling air through the aqueous composition.

[0261] Embodiment 106 provides the method of any of Embodiments 104-105, wherein the shearing is sufficient to dislodge at least some of the H-containing particles from the surface of the anode, cathode, or combination thereof. 2 of bubbles.

[0262] Embodiment 107 provides a method as described in any of Embodiments 104-106, wherein the shearing is sufficient to at least partially prevent the formation of oxides at the surface of the anode and / or cathode.

[0263] Embodiment 108 provides the method of any of Embodiments 104-107, wherein the shearing is sufficient to at least partially prevent agglomeration of one or more materials on the surface of the anode and / or cathode.

[0264] Embodiment 109 provides the method of any of embodiments 1-108, wherein the primary cell is planar.

[0265] Embodiment 110 provides the method described in any of embodiments 1-109, wherein the thickness of the original battery is less than the height and width of the original battery.

[0266] Embodiment 111 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 1-110, wherein the cathode comprises a planar frame of a galvanic cell and a cathode material contained within the periphery of the frame, wherein the cathode material is electrically connected to the frame.

[0267] Embodiment 112 provides a method of embodiment 111, wherein the frame is a structural component of the galvanic cell, the frame comprises cathode material, and wherein the frame is structurally sufficient to maintain its shape in the absence of any anode or in the absence of all anodes.

[0268] Embodiment 113 provides the method of any of embodiments 111-112, wherein the planar frame is a non-porous solid material.

[0269] Embodiment 114 provides the method of any of embodiments 111-113, wherein the planar frame is one or more strips of cathode material.

[0270] Embodiment 115 provides the method described in any of embodiments 111-114, wherein the planar frame has a polygonal perimeter.

[0271] Embodiment 116 provides the method of any of embodiments 111-115, wherein the planar frame is square or rectangular.

[0272] Embodiment 117 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 111-116, wherein the cathode material contained within the perimeter of the planar frame comprises a porous cathode material.

[0273] Embodiment 118 provides the method of embodiment 117, wherein the porous cathode material comprises a wire, a mesh, a screen, a sheet comprising one or more through holes, or a combination thereof.

[0274] Embodiment 119 provides the method of any of Embodiments 117-118, wherein the porous cathode material comprises a wire mesh or a wire screen comprising a porous cathode material.

[0275] Embodiment 120 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 117-119, wherein the primary cell further includes a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Ni, Sn, Pb, or a combination thereof, wherein the porous cathode material contained within the periphery of the planar frame has an edge sandwiched between two planar frames, and the two planar frames are held together to secure the porous cathode material therebetween using one or more conductive connectors.

[0276] Embodiment 121 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 117-120, wherein the primary cell comprises a plurality of pairs of planar frames, each pair of planar frames being held together to secure a porous cathode material therebetween using one or more conductive connectors, and each pair of planar frames being separated by one or more anodes spanning the porous cathode material contained within the periphery of the planar frames.

[0277] Embodiment 122 provides the method of embodiment 121, wherein the one or more anodes separating each pair of planar frames from each other are in direct contact with the faces of each pair of planar frames separated therefrom.

[0278] Embodiment 123 provides the method described in any of embodiments 121-122, wherein one or more anodes separating each pair of planar frames from each other directly contact the face of one of each pair of planar frames separated by them, and do not directly contact the face of the other of each pair of planar frames separated by them.

[0279] Embodiment 124 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 117-123, wherein the primary cell further comprises a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Ni, Sn, Pb, or a combination thereof, wherein the anode is a strip fastened to the planar frame at two edges of the planar frame, wherein the anode is fastened to the planar frame at each of the two edges of the planar frame using at least one conductive connector so that the anode spans the cathode material contained within the periphery of the planar frame, forming a gap between the cathode material contained within the periphery of the planar frame and the anode strip.

[0280] Embodiment 125 provides the method of embodiment 124, wherein the anode and cathode are in direct contact with each other at each of the edges of the planar frame, wherein the anode is fastened to the planar frame via at least one conductive connector.

[0281] Embodiment 126 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 117-125, wherein the galvanic cell further includes a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Ni, Sn, Pb, or a combination thereof, wherein the galvanic cell includes a plurality of anodes, wherein each anode is a strip fastened to a planar frame at two edges of a planar frame on a face of the frame, wherein each anode is fastened to the planar frame at each of the two edges of the planar frame using at least one conductive connector so that each anode spans the cathode material contained within the periphery of the planar frame, thereby forming a gap between the cathode material contained within the periphery of the planar frame and the anode strips, wherein the plurality of anodes are spaced apart across the face so that they are not in physical contact with each other.

[0282] Embodiment 127 provides the method of embodiment 126, wherein each anode spans the cathode material contained within the perimeter of the planar frame substantially parallel to each other on the face.

[0283] Embodiment 128 provides the method of any of Embodiments 126-127, wherein the two edges of the planar frame to which each anode is fastened are opposite edges of the planar frame.

[0284] Embodiment 129 provides the method of any of Embodiments 126-128, wherein all of the anodes are on a single major face of the planar frame.

[0285] Embodiment 130 provides the method of any of Embodiments 126-129, wherein some of the anodes are on one major face of the planar frame and other anodes are on another major face of the frame.

[0286] Embodiment 131 provides a method as described in any one of embodiments 126-130, wherein the primary cell comprises

[0287] A cathode, wherein the cathode comprises a planar frame of a galvanic cell having a polygonal perimeter and a porous material contained within the perimeter of the frame, the porous material being a wire mesh or a wire screen in direct contact with the frame; and

[0288] A plurality of anodes, wherein each anode is a strip fastened to a planar frame at two opposite edges of the planar frame on a face of the planar frame, wherein each anode is fastened to the planar frame at each of the two edges of the planar frame using at least one conductive connector so that each anode is approximately parallel to each other and spans a porous material contained within the perimeter of the planar frame, thereby forming a gap between the porous material contained within the perimeter of the planar frame and the anode strips, wherein each anode directly contacts a cathode frame at each of the edges of the planar frame, wherein the anodes are fastened to the planar frame via at least one conductive connector, wherein the plurality of anodes are spaced apart across the face so that they are not in physical contact with each other, and wherein the gap is about 1 mm to about 110 mm.

[0289] Embodiment 132 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-131, further comprising adding hydrogen peroxide to the aqueous composition.

[0290] Embodiment 133 provides the method of embodiment 132, comprising adding 0.1 ppm to 1000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide to the aqueous composition.

[0291] Embodiment 134 provides the method of any one of embodiments 132-133, comprising adding 1 ppm to 500 ppm of hydrogen peroxide to the aqueous composition.

[0292] Embodiment 135 provides the method of any one of embodiments 132-134, comprising adding 1 ppm to 200 ppm of hydrogen peroxide to the aqueous composition.

[0293] Embodiment 136 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-135, wherein the cathode comprises a porous material.

[0294] Embodiment 137 provides the method of any of embodiments 1-136, wherein the primary cell comprises more than one cathode.

[0295] Embodiment 138 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 1-137, wherein the primary cell comprises two and no more than two cathodes.

[0296] Embodiment 139 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-138, wherein the cathode comprises a wire mesh.

[0297] Embodiment 140 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-139, wherein the anode comprises a planar non-porous form.

[0298] Embodiment 141 provides the method of any of Embodiments 1-140, wherein the anode comprises a strip.

[0299] Embodiment 142 provides the method of any of embodiments 1-141, wherein the primary cell comprises no more than one anode.

[0300] Embodiment 143 provides a method as described in any of Embodiments 1-142, wherein the cathode is connected to the anode via at least one conductive connector.

[0301] Embodiment 144 provides the method of embodiment 143, wherein the conductive connector comprises a weld, a fastener, a threaded fastener, or a combination thereof.

[0302] Embodiment 145 provides the method described in any of embodiments 143-144, wherein the conductive connector comprises a screw, a bolt, a bracket, a nut, a washer, or a combination thereof.

[0303] Embodiment 146 provides the method of any of Embodiments 143-145, wherein the conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and the anode, wherein the gap is from about 1 mm to about 110 mm.

[0304] Embodiment 147 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 1-146, wherein the primary cell comprises:

[0305] an anode, wherein the anode comprises a planar non-porous form;

[0306] a cathode, wherein the cathode comprises a wire mesh, wherein the cathode is arranged parallel to a major face of the planar non-porous form of the anode such that a gap is formed between the major face of the planar non-porous form of the anode and the cathode;

[0307] At least one conductive connector connects the cathode to the anode, wherein the conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and a major face of the planar non-porous form of the anode.

[0308] Embodiment 148 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 1-147, wherein the primary cell comprises:

[0309] a single anode, wherein said anode comprises a planar non-porous form;

[0310] two said cathodes, wherein each cathode comprises a wire mesh, wherein said cathodes are arranged on opposite major faces of the planar imperforate form of said anode such that they form a gap;

[0311] At least one conductive connector connects the cathode to the anode, wherein the conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and a major face of the planar non-porous form of the anode.

[0312] Embodiment 149 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-148, wherein the method comprises immersing a plurality of primary cells in the aqueous composition.

[0313] Embodiment 150 provides the method of embodiment 149, wherein the primary cells are each connected to one or more structural connectors.

[0314] Embodiment 151 provides the method of embodiment 150, wherein the structural connector comprises a rod, a tube, a beam, a hanger, a bracket, a hook, or a combination thereof.

[0315] Embodiment 152 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 150-151, wherein the structural connector comprises a non-conductive material, or comprises a conductive material coated with or wrapped by a non-conductive material.

[0316] Embodiment 153 provides the method of any of Embodiments 150-152, wherein the structural connector comprises a steel rod coated with a non-conductive coating.

[0317] Embodiment 154 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 150-153, wherein the primary cell is removably connected to one or more structural connectors.

[0318] Embodiment 155 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 150-154, wherein each of the primary cells is suspended from the one or more structural connectors.

[0319] Embodiment 156 provides a method described in any of embodiments 150-155, wherein the primary cell has one or more holes therethrough, wherein the one or more structural connectors are connected to the primary cells via one or more holes in each primary cell.

[0320] Embodiment 157 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 1-156, wherein the primary cell comprises:

[0321] a single anode, said anode comprising Mg, wherein said anode comprises a planar non-porous form;

[0322] two said cathodes, said cathodes comprising Cu, wherein each cathode comprises a wire mesh, wherein said cathodes are arranged parallel to opposing major faces of the planar non-porous form of said anode such that they form a gap; and

[0323] At least one conductive connector connects the cathode to the anode, wherein the conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and a major face of the planar non-porous form of the anode.

[0324] Embodiment 158 ​​provides the method of any one of Embodiments 1-156, wherein the primary cell comprises:

[0325] a single anode, the anode comprising Al, wherein the anode comprises a planar non-porous form;

[0326] two said cathodes, said cathodes comprising Cu, wherein each cathode comprises a wire mesh, wherein said cathodes are arranged parallel to opposing major faces of the planar non-porous form of said anode such that they form a gap; and

[0327] At least one conductive connector connects the cathode to the anode, wherein the conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and a major face of the planar non-porous form of the anode.

[0328] Embodiment 159 provides the method of any of embodiments 1-158, wherein the method comprises immersing a plurality of galvanic cells in the aqueous composition, wherein each of the galvanic cells is connected to one or more structural connectors, and wherein the galvanic cells comprise:

[0329] a single anode, the anode comprising Mg, Al, or a combination thereof, wherein the anode comprises a planar non-porous form;

[0330] two said cathodes, said cathodes comprising Cu, wherein each cathode comprises a wire mesh, wherein said cathodes are arranged parallel to opposing major faces of the planar non-porous form of said anode such that they form a gap; and

[0331] At least one conductive connector connects the cathode to the anode, wherein the conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and a major face of the planar non-porous form of the anode.

[0332] Embodiment 160 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 1-159, comprising

[0333] immersing one or more galvanic cells in a housing comprising the aqueous composition to form a solid comprising material from the aqueous composition;

[0334] Solids are filtered from the treated aqueous composition through one or more filters at least partially immersed in the aqueous composition in which the one or more galvanic cells are immersed.

[0335] Embodiment 161 provides the method of embodiment 160, wherein the filter comprises glass sand, a fabric filter, a paper filter, a disc filter, a rotary filter, a drum filter, a screen, a filter, a particulate filter media, a filter aid, or a combination thereof.

[0336] Embodiment 162 provides the method of any of Embodiments 160-161, wherein the filter is a rotating disc filter.

[0337] Embodiment 163 provides the method of any of Embodiments 160-162, wherein the filtering comprises forming a filter cake on the filter, the filter cake comprising solids.

[0338] Embodiment 164 provides the method of Embodiment 163, further comprising backwashing the filter to remove filter cake from the filter and forming a backwash liquid comprising the removed filter cake.

[0339] Embodiment 165 provides the method of embodiment 164, wherein a portion of the water containing solids is used to backwash the filter.

[0340] Embodiment 166 provides a method as described in any of embodiments 160-165, wherein the one or more primary cells are positioned in the aqueous composition at the side of the housing, wherein the filter is positioned in the aqueous composition approximately in the center portion of the housing.

[0341] Embodiment 167 provides the method of any of Embodiments 160-166, comprising filtering solids from the aqueous composition using a plurality of filters.

[0342] Embodiment 168 provides the method of any of Embodiments 160-167, wherein the one or more filters comprise a plurality of rotating disc filters.

[0343] Embodiment 169 provides a method for treating an aqueous composition, the method comprising:

[0344] immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition, the galvanic cell comprising

[0345] an anode comprising Al, wherein the anode is from about 90 wt % to about 100 wt % Al,

[0346] a cathode comprising Cu, wherein the cathode is from about 90 wt % to about 100 wt % Cu,

[0347] A conductive connector electrically connects the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising an alloy including Cu and Zn.

[0348] Embodiment 170 provides a method of embodiment 169, wherein immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition removes or reduces the concentration of a material in the aqueous composition, the material comprising one or more organic compounds, one or more inorganic compounds, one or more dyes and / or inks, one or more metals, one or more heavy metals, one or more toxic compounds and / or materials, fluorides, sulfides, arsenic, or a combination thereof, and wherein immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition chemically transforms the material, degrades the material, oxidizes the material, reduces the material, precipitates the material, condenses the material, reacts the material with oxygen, reacts the material with chlorine, reacts the material with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0349] Embodiment 171 provides a method for coagulating and / or precipitating suspended solids from an aqueous composition, the method comprising:

[0350] immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition comprising coagulated and / or precipitated suspended solids from the aqueous composition, the galvanic cell comprising

[0351] an anode comprising Al, wherein the anode is from about 90 wt % to about 100 wt % Al,

[0352] a cathode comprising Cu, wherein the cathode is from about 90 wt % to about 100 wt % Cu,

[0353] a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising an alloy including Cu and Zn; and

[0354] The coagulated and / or precipitated suspended solids are removed from the treated aqueous composition.

[0355] Embodiment 172 provides a method for reducing or eliminating emulsions in an aqueous composition, the method comprising:

[0356] Immersing a galvanic cell in an aqueous composition comprising an oil / water emulsion and / or a water / oil emulsion to reduce or eliminate the emulsion in the aqueous composition and form a treated aqueous composition, the galvanic cell comprising

[0357] an anode comprising Al, wherein the anode is from about 90 wt % to about 100 wt % Al,

[0358] a cathode comprising Cu, wherein the cathode is from about 90 wt % to about 100 wt % Cu,

[0359] A conductive connector electrically connects the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising an alloy including Cu and Zn.

[0360] Embodiment 173 provides the method of embodiment 172, wherein the method reduces the turbidity of the aqueous composition by 80% to 99.999%.

[0361] Embodiment 174 provides a method of reducing the chemical oxygen demand of the aqueous composition, the method comprising:

[0362] The galvanic cell is immersed in the aqueous composition to reduce or eliminate the chemical oxygen demand of the aqueous composition and form a treated aqueous composition, the galvanic cell comprising

[0363] an anode comprising Al, wherein the anode is from about 90 wt % to about 100 wt % Al,

[0364] a cathode comprising Cu, wherein the cathode is from about 90 wt % to about 100 wt % Cu,

[0365] A conductive connector electrically connects the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising an alloy including Cu and Zn.

[0366] Embodiment 175 provides the method of embodiment 174, wherein the method reduces the chemical oxygen demand of the aqueous composition by 3% to 95%.

[0367] Embodiment 176 provides a method for reducing or eliminating silica from an aqueous composition, the method comprising:

[0368] immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to reduce or eliminate silica in the aqueous composition and form a treated aqueous composition, the galvanic cell comprising

[0369] an anode comprising Al, wherein the anode is from about 90 wt % to about 100 wt % Al,

[0370] a cathode comprising Cu, wherein the cathode is from about 90 wt % to about 100 wt % Cu,

[0371] A conductive connector electrically connects the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising an alloy including Cu and Zn.

[0372] Embodiment 177 provides the method of embodiment 176, wherein the method converts SiO in the aqueous composition into 3 2- The concentration is reduced by 20%-90%.

[0373] Embodiment 178 provides a method of any one or any combination of embodiments 1-177, optionally configured such that all of the listed elements or options are available for use or selection.

Claims

1. A method for treating an aqueous composition, the method comprising: include: immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition, the galvanic cell comprising An anode comprising Al, a cathode having a different composition than the anode, the cathode comprising Cu, wherein the galvanic cell has no external potential applied between the anode and cathode, wherein the cathode comprises a porous cathode material, and A conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Ni, Sn, Pb, or a combination thereof, wherein the conductive connector comprises a screw, a bolt, or a combination thereof, wherein the conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and the anode, and wherein the anode and cathode are not in direct contact with each other.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method eliminates or reduces emulsions in the aqueous composition, coagulates suspended solids from the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more dyes and / or inks in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more toxic compounds and / or materials in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of fluoride in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of sulfide in the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of arsenic in the aqueous composition, reduces the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of silica in the aqueous composition, reduces the turbidity of the aqueous composition, or a combination thereof.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the method coagulates suspended solids from the aqueous composition.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the method eliminates or reduces emulsions in the aqueous composition.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the method reduces the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the aqueous composition.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of one or more dyes and / or inks in the aqueous composition.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of silicon dioxide in the aqueous composition.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of fluoride in the aqueous composition.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of sulfide in the aqueous composition.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of arsenic in the aqueous composition.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the method reduces the turbidity of the aqueous composition.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the conductive connector comprises brass.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the porous cathode material comprises a wire mesh or a wire screen.

14. A method for coagulating suspended solids from an aqueous composition, the method comprising include: immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition comprising suspended solids from the condensation of the aqueous composition, the galvanic cell comprising an anode comprising Al, wherein the anode is from about 90 wt % to about 100 wt % Al, a cathode comprising Cu, wherein the cathode is from about 90 wt % to about 100 wt % Cu, wherein the cathode comprises a porous cathode material, wherein the galvanic cell has no external potential applied between the anode and cathode, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising an alloy comprising Cu and Zn, wherein the conductive connector comprises a screw, a bolt, or a combination thereof, wherein the conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and the anode, and wherein the anode and the cathode are not in direct contact with each other; and The coagulated suspended solids are removed from the treated aqueous composition.

15. Primary batteries, include: An anode comprising Al, a cathode having a different composition than the anode, the cathode comprising Cu, wherein the galvanic cell has no external potential applied between the anode and cathode, wherein the cathode comprises a porous cathode material, and A conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Ni, Sn, Pb, or a combination thereof, wherein the conductive connector comprises a screw, a bolt, or a combination thereof, wherein the conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and the anode, and wherein the anode and cathode are not in direct contact with each other.

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