Galvanic process for treating aqueous composition

Abstract

To provide a galvanic process for treating an aqueous composition.SOLUTION: A method of treating an aqueous composition includes immersing a galvanic cell in an 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 composition different from the anode, the cathode including Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a galvanic process for treating an aqueous composition. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrolytic treatment of aqueous compositions using electrochemical cells has a wide variety of applications, including electrocoagulation, breaking emulsions, and oxidation and / or removal of metals, such as heavy metals. Electrolytic treatment can be used to treat wastewater, wash water, and industrial process water. In some applications, electrolytic treatment can be used to remove entrained contaminants that are more difficult to remove by filtration or chemical treatment systems, such as emulsified oils, total petroleum hydrocarbons, refractory organics, suspended solids, and heavy metals. However, the electrolytic process requires a large amount of electricity to power the electrochemical cell, which results in rapid passivation and consumption of the anode material. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method of 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 that includes Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof. The galvanic cell includes a cathode having a different composition than the anode, the cathode including Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof.

[0004] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method of 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 including Al, the anode being about 90% to about 100% Al by weight. The galvanic cell includes a cathode including Cu, the cathode being about 90% to about 100% Cu by weight. The galvanic cell includes a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector including an alloy including Cu and Zn.

[0005] Various embodiments of the present invention provide methods for coagulating and / or precipitating suspended solids from an aqueous composition. The methods include immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition including the coagulated and / or precipitated suspended solids from the aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode including Al, the anode being about 90% to about 100% by weight Al. The galvanic cell includes a cathode including Cu, the cathode being 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 including an alloy including Cu and Zn. The methods include removing the coagulated and / or precipitated suspended solids from the treated aqueous composition.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for reducing or removing emulsion from an aqueous composition. The method includes immersing a galvanic cell in an aqueous composition including an oil / water and / or water / oil emulsion to reduce or remove emulsion from the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode including Al, the anode being about 90% to about 100% Al by weight. The galvanic cell includes a cathode including Cu, the cathode being about 90% to about 100% Cu by weight. The galvanic cell includes a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector including an alloy including Cu and Zn.

[0007] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method of reducing the chemical oxygen demand of an 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 to form a treated aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode including Al, the anode being about 90% to about 100% Al by weight. The galvanic cell includes a cathode including Cu, the cathode being about 90% to about 100% Cu by weight. The galvanic cell includes a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector including an alloy including Cu and Zn.

[0008] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for reducing or removing silica from an aqueous composition. The method includes immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to reduce or remove silica in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode including Al, the anode being about 90% to about 100% Al by weight. The galvanic cell includes a cathode including Cu, the cathode being about 90% to about 100% Cu by weight. The galvanic cell includes a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector including an alloy including Cu and Zn.

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method of 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 including Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof. The anode includes a planar non-porous body. The galvanic cell includes a cathode having a different composition than the anode. The cathode includes Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof. The cathode includes a wire mesh. The cathode is disposed parallel to a major surface of the planar non-porous body of the anode such that a gap is formed between the major surface of the planar non-porous body 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 cathode and the major surface of the planar non-porous body of the anode.

[0010] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method of 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 including Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof. The anode includes a planar non-porous body. The galvanic cell includes two cathodes having a different composition than the anode. The cathodes include Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof. Each cathode includes a wire mesh. The cathodes are disposed on opposing major surfaces of the planar non-porous body of the anode such that they form a gap. The galvanic cell also includes at least one conductive connector connecting the cathodes to the cathodes. The conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and the major surface of the planar non-porous body of the anode.

[0011] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method of 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 body. The galvanic cell includes two cathodes. The cathodes include Cu. Each cathode includes a wire mesh. The cathodes are disposed parallel to opposing major surfaces of the planar non-porous body of the anode such 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 a major surface of the planar non-porous body of the anode.

[0012] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method of 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 body. The galvanic cell includes two cathodes. The cathodes include Cu. Each cathode includes a wire mesh. The cathodes are disposed parallel to opposing major surfaces of the planar non-porous body of the anode such 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 a major surface of the planar non-porous body of the anode.

[0013] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method of 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 attached 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 body. Each galvanic cell includes two cathodes. The cathodes include Cu. Each cathode includes a wire mesh. The cathodes are disposed parallel to opposing major surfaces of the planar non-porous body of the anode such that they form a gap. Each of the galvanic cells 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 surface of the planar non-porous body of the anode.

[0014] In various embodiments, the galvanic process of the present invention provides an alternative to electrolytic treatment of aqueous compositions, such as electrocoagulation or other electrolytic treatments by electrolysis. Galvanic processes have the advantage of not using an external potential applied between the anode and the cathode, in contrast to electrolytic processes that require an external potential applied between the anode and the cathode. In various embodiments, the galvanic process of the present invention uses less electricity compared to electrolytic processes to perform the same or similar treatment functions. In various embodiments, the galvanic process of the present invention can be used to perform the same or similar treatment functions as electrolytic processes, but at a lower overall cost (e.g., consumes less electricity and optionally uses less expensive materials and / or equipment). In various embodiments, the low current of the galvanic process of the present invention avoids passivation of the anode surface, results in a lower consumption rate of the anode material, prevents the occurrence of undesirable chemical reactions (e.g., formation of chlorate or bromate), or a combination thereof. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present invention generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation. [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a galvanic cell from a major view according to various embodiments. [Figure 1B] 1 shows an enlarged cutaway end view of a galvanic cell according to various embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a galvanic cell according to various embodiments. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a major surface of a galvanic cell according to various embodiments. [Figure 4] 1A-1D show side and top views of a galvanic cell according to various embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of multiple galvanic cells according to various embodiments. [Figure 6] 1 shows a diagram of multiple galvanic cells with the main surfaces of the cells visible, according to various embodiments. [Figure 7]1A-1D depict diagrams of multiple galvanic cells showing the side, top, and main surfaces of the cells according to various embodiments. [Figure 8] 1 shows a side view of a galvanic cell according to various embodiments. [Figure 9A] 1 shows plots illustrating current versus time for four different Al-Cu galvanic cells having one-sided Cu screen, two-sided Cu screen, three-sided Cu screen, and four-sided Cu screen, according to various embodiments. [Figure 9B] 3B shows milligrams of aluminum ions produced versus time for four different Al-Cu galvanic cells, calculated from the current in the graph of FIG. 3A, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 10] 1 shows plots of current versus conductivity for an Al-Cu galvanic cell with and without air agitation according to various embodiments. [Figure 11] 14 shows UV-Vis spectra of a solution including Orange II in contact with a Cu-Al galvanic cell at various times according to various embodiments. [Figure 12] 1 shows the percent removal versus time for Orange II removal using a Cu—Al battery as indicated by the 486 nm signal in the UV-Vis spectrum according to various embodiments. [Figure 13] 1 shows linear voltammograms of a galvanic cell in water with various amounts of hydrogen peroxide added, according to various embodiments. [Figure 14] 1 shows the amount of aluminum ions produced in the galvanic cell anode reaction per square foot of electrode surface area for various amounts of hydrogen peroxide added according to various embodiments. [Figure 15] 1 shows the current in a galvanic cell with various amounts of OCl- or H2O2 added, according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to particular embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. While the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the recited claims, it will be understood that the illustrated subject matter is not intended to limit the claims to the disclosed subject matter.

[0017] Throughout this specification, values ​​expressed in range format should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values ​​expressly recited as the limits of the range, but also all individual numerical values ​​or subranges subsumed within the range as if each numerical value and subrange were expressly recited. For example, the range "about 0.1% to about 5%" or "about 0.1% to 5%" should be interpreted to include not only about 0.1% to about 5%, but also the 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 indicated range. The statement "about X to Y" has the same meaning as "about X to about Y" unless otherwise indicated. Similarly, the statement "about X, Y, or about Z" has the same meaning as "about X, about Y, or about Z" unless otherwise indicated.

[0018] In this specification, the terms "a," "an," or "the" are used to include one or more, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "or" is used to indicate a non-exclusive "or" unless otherwise indicated. The statements "at least one of A and B" or "at least one of A or B" have the same meaning as "A, B, or A and B." Furthermore, it should be understood that any phraseology or terminology used herein and not otherwise defined is for purposes of description only and not for purposes of limitation. Any use of section headings is intended to aid in the reading of this specification and should not be construed as limiting, and information associated with a section heading may be found within or outside of that particular section.

[0019] In the methods described herein, unless a temporal or operational order is explicitly recited, acts may be performed in any order without departing from the principles of the invention. Moreover, unless express claim language recites that the specified acts are performed separately, the specified acts may be performed simultaneously. For example, a claimed act of performing X and a claimed act of performing Y may be performed simultaneously in a single operation, and the resulting process falls within the literal scope of the claimed process.

[0020] As used herein, the term "about" allows for some variability in a value or range, for example, within 10%, within 5%, or within 1% of a stated value or within the limits of a stated range, and includes the precisely stated value or range.

[0021] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to a majority or majority, such as 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" can mean completely absent or that the amount of a substance present is such an insignificant amount that it does not affect the material properties of a composition containing that substance, for example, the substance in the composition is from about 0% to about 5% by weight, or from about 0% to about 1% by weight, or less than or equal to about 5% by weight, 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 about 0% by weight.

[0022] In various embodiments, the salt having a positively charged counterion can include any suitable positively charged counterion. For example, the counterion can be ammonium (NH + ), or sodium (Na + ), potassium (K + ), or lithium (Li+ In some embodiments, the counterion can have a positive charge greater than +1, which in some embodiments can be an alkali metal such as Zn 2+ , Al 3+ Multiple ionizable groups such as Ca 2+ Or Mg 2+ It can form complexes with alkaline earth metals such as

[0023] The disclosures of PCT / US2020 / 037405 and PCT / US2020 / 037407 are incorporated by reference in their entireties into this specification. A method for treating an aqueous composition.

[0024] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method of 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 including Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof. The galvanic cell includes a cathode having a different composition than the anode, the cathode including Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof. The method may include immersing one of a plurality of galvanic cells in the aqueous composition or immersing a plurality of galvanic cells in the aqueous composition.

[0025] The method includes operating the galvanic cell as a galvanic cell. Operating the galvanic cell as a galvanic cell includes applying zero external potential (0 V) between the anode and cathode of the galvanic cell. During operation of the galvanic cell as a galvanic cell, the potential between the anode and cathode is equal to the galvanic corrosion potential of the galvanic cell (e.g., the potential that the anode and cathode reach when immersed in an aqueous composition with no external potential applied).

[0026] Immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition can include partial immersion such that any suitable percentage 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 greater than, 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% of the surface area of ​​the anode and cathode. Immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition can include complete immersion such that about 100% of the surface area of ​​the galvanic cell is in contact with the aqueous composition.

[0027] In various embodiments, the method of treating the aqueous composition includes removing or reducing an emulsion in the aqueous composition, coagulating and / or precipitating suspended solids from the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of one or more organic compounds in the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of one or more inorganic compounds in the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of one or more dyes and / or inks in the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of one or more metals in the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of one or more heavy metals in the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of one or more toxic compounds and / or substances in the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of fluoride in the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of sulfide in the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of arsenic in the aqueous composition, reducing the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the aqueous composition, reducing the turbidity of the aqueous composition, reducing the concentration of silica (e.g., SiO3) in ... 2- ) or by removing or reducing its concentration, or a combination thereof.

[0028] The method can coagulate and / or precipitate suspended solids from the aqueous composition. The method can be used as an alternative to conventional electrolytic electrocoagulation processes. The aqueous composition can include suspended solid particles, and the treated aqueous composition can have a lower concentration of suspended solid particles than the aqueous composition. The method can further include removing the coagulated material and / or precipitate from the treated aqueous composition. The removal can be any suitable removal, such as decantation, settling, filtration, or a combination thereof. In electrolytic electrocoagulation processes, oxidation of entrained contaminants occurs at the anode (Fe, Al, Zn, etc.) and hydrogen gas is evolved at the cathode. This is similar to what occurs in galvanic processes, but the application of external current in electrolytic electrocoagulation increases the polarization of the electrodes, leading to new chemical reactions, such as the evolution of gaseous oxygen and chlorine if chloride ions are present in the solution. The galvanic method of coagulating and / or precipitating suspended solids from solution can be an economically advantageous alternative to electrolytic electrocoagulation processes for the treatment of wastewater by adsorption-coagulation and cathodic reduction processes. In some embodiments, the galvanic treatment method can generate chlorine gas (eg, by connecting at least two galvanic cells in series), such as by using a Mg anode and a Cu cathode.

[0029] The method of treating the aqueous composition can reduce or eliminate emulsions therein. The aqueous composition can include an oil / water emulsion, a water / oil emulsion, and / or a latex emulsion, and the treated aqueous composition includes less oil / water emulsion, water / oil emulsion, and / or latex emulsion than the aqueous composition.

[0030] The method of treating the 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 lower concentration of one or more organic compounds than the aqueous composition. The removal or reduction can occur via any suitable mechanism. For example, the method can chemically convert the organic compound, decompose the organic compound, oxidize the organic compound, reduce the organic compound, precipitate the organic compound, coagulate the organic compound, react the organic compound with oxygen, react the organic compound with chlorine, react the organic compound with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0031] The method of treating the 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 lower concentration of one or more inorganic compounds than the aqueous composition. The removal or reduction can occur via any suitable mechanism. For example, the method can chemically convert the inorganic compound, decompose the inorganic compound, oxidize the inorganic compound, reduce the inorganic compound, precipitate the inorganic compound, coagulate 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.

[0032] The method of treating the 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 lower concentration of one or more dyes and / or inks than the aqueous composition. The removal or reduction can occur via any suitable mechanism. For example, the method can chemically convert one or more dyes and / or inks, decompose 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, coagulate 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 generated at the anode and / or cathode, or combinations 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 II. The method can remove any suitable amount of dye molecules, for example, 10-100%, 50-100%, 80-100%, or greater than, less than, equal to, or greater than 10%, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, or 95% of the dye molecules.

[0033] The method of treating the aqueous composition can remove or reduce the concentration of one or more metals in the aqueous composition. The treated aqueous composition can have a lower concentration of one or more metals than the aqueous composition. The removal or reduction can occur via any suitable mechanism. For example, the method can chemically convert one or more metals, decompose one or more metals, oxidize one or more metals, reduce one or more metals, precipitate one or more metals, coagulate 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 generated at the anode and / or cathode, or combinations thereof.

[0034] The method of treating an 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 lower concentration of one or more metals than the aqueous composition. The removal or reduction can occur via any suitable mechanism. For example, the method can chemically convert one or more heavy metals, decompose one or more heavy metals, oxidize one or more heavy metals, reduce one or more heavy metals, precipitate one or more heavy metals, coagulate 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 generated at the anode and / or cathode, or combinations thereof.

[0035] The method of treating an aqueous composition can remove or reduce the concentration of one or more toxic compounds and / or substances in the aqueous composition. The treated aqueous composition can have a lower concentration of one or more toxic compounds and / or substances than the aqueous composition. The removal or reduction can occur via any suitable mechanism. For example, the method can chemically convert one or more toxic compounds and / or substances, decompose one or more toxic compounds and / or substances, oxidize one or more toxic compounds and / or substances, reduce one or more toxic compounds and / or substances, precipitate one or more toxic compounds and / or substances, coagulate one or more toxic compounds and / or substances, react one or more toxic compounds and / or substances with oxygen, react one or more toxic compounds and / or substances with chlorine, react one or more toxic compounds and / or substances with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or combinations thereof.

[0036] The method of treating the 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. The removal or reduction can occur via any suitable mechanism. For example, the method may chemically convert fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof, decompose 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, coagulate 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.

[0037] In various embodiments, the method can reduce the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the aqueous composition, can reduce the turbidity of the aqueous composition, or a combination thereof. The treated aqueous composition can have a 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 100% and 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% or more. For example, the method can reduce the turbidity of an aqueous composition (e.g., an oil / water or water / oil emulsion) by between 1% and 100%, or between 1% and 99.99%, or between 80% and 99.99%, or between 90% and 99.99%, or by less than 100% and by 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 more than 99.99%.

[0038] In various embodiments, the method can reduce or remove silica from the aqueous composition. For example, the method can reduce or remove silica from the aqueous composition. 2- The concentration of can be reduced by 1% to 100%, or 20% to 90%, or 30% to 80%, or 40% to 70%, or 100% or less and 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% or more.

[0039] The aqueous composition treated in the present method can be any suitable aqueous composition, for example, an aqueous composition comprising wastewater and / or effluent from food processing, landfills, laundry processes (e.g., detergent wastewater), industrial pulp or paper processes, industrial mining processes, industrial textile processes, metal treatment processes, metal polishing processes, metal working processes, industrial processes in the tanning industry, petroleum industrial processes, marine wastewater (e.g., emulsion removal), or combinations thereof. The aqueous composition can include water taken from sources including natural sources of water in the environment, drinking water, industrial wastewater, industrial cooling water, or combinations thereof.

[0040] The paper industry consumes large amounts of water and has a high organic contaminant content consisting of suspended solids and strong color from lignin decomposition compounds and tannins. The aqueous compositions treated by the methods of the present invention can include wastewater and / or effluent from industrial pulp or paper processes. The methods of the present invention can destabilize colloidal solutions, thereby reducing or eliminating them. In various embodiments, the new amorphous Al(xH2O) that can be formed from the anode of the galvanic cell has a large surface area that improves the adsorption of soluble organic compounds and can capture colloidal solids, thereby resulting in a reduction in COD, color, and / or turbidity.

[0041] In the textile industry, it has been reported that colorants are removed when Al and Fe electrodes are used in electrocoagulation systems. The aqueous composition treated with the method of the present invention may include wastewater and / or effluent from industrial textile processes. Galvanic cells can provide the same effect with the advantage of the absence of external energy application, which can significantly reduce the passivation process, and a reduced consumption rate of the anode, such as at least 10 times less for electrocoagulation processes by electrolysis. Experiments carried out in the inventors' laboratory have demonstrated that the aluminum galvanic process has great effectiveness in removing dye molecules, such as azo dyes, such as methyl orange and orange II. The use of the method to treat water samples from a treatment plant caused a reduction in COD and a reduction in turbidity.

[0042] The aqueous composition treated by the method of the present invention may include wastewater and / or waste liquid from metal treatment process, metal polishing process, or metal processing process. The galvanic Mg-Cu process may be suitable for treating wastewater with a high content of metal ions (e.g., bearing industry and electroplating industry). The Mg-Cu galvanic cell can remove metal ions by two methods: for metal ions with low electrochemical reduction potential, an increase in the pH of the water can lead to their precipitation as oxides or hydroxides, such as lead ions; more noble metals, such as mercury, can be removed through their deposition on the cathode surface. Mercury has strict environmental regulations and therefore its removal is very valuable.

[0043] The galvanic method of the present invention can reduce the COD, turbidity, and concentration of metals present in waste and by-product streams from the tanning industry process. The adsorption-coagulation process can reduce the stability of colloidal particles present in these waters, producing larger particles that can be precipitated or filtered, reducing turbidity. A similar effect can occur with fats, grease, and organic matter in general, causing a reduction in COD in the system. Cr 6+ and Cr 3+ Metals present, such as Mg, can be reduced on the cathode surface and the use of a galvanic Mg cell can result in an increase in pH from the acidic range to basic, which can cause the precipitation of metal hydroxides.

[0044] For example, the aqueous composition treated by the method of the present invention can include wastewater and / or effluent from food processing, laundry processes (e.g., detergent wastewater), metal treatment processes, metal polishing processes, metal processing processes, petroleum industry processes, marine wastewater (e.g., emulsion removal), or combinations thereof. Food processing, petroleum, metal processing, and marine industries can generate wastewater with the presence of stable oil-water emulsions that cannot be treated by conventional decontamination methods. In various embodiments of the present invention, the presence of hydrolyzed aluminum particles can interact with the emulsion to cause a reduction in free energy at the oil / water interface, thereby causing its breakup. The primary destabilization mechanism can be the attachment of adsorbed polymers to two or more droplets at a time (e.g., bridging flocculation). The method can cause a reduction in interfacial tension that stabilizes the emulsion, thereby reducing or eliminating the emulsion. The method can be used to economically remove or reduce emulsions in large volumes of wastewater.

[0045] Immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition can form a salt including materials from the aqueous composition (e.g., any suitable material in the aqueous composition capable of forming a salt, such as materials originally present in the aqueous composition and / or reaction products thereof formed during operation of the galvanic cell) and materials from the anode (i.e., materials produced at the anode during operation of the galvanic cell). The salt can be any suitable salt. For example, the salt can include a hydroxide salt. The salt can precipitate in the aqueous composition. The method can include removing the precipitated salt from the treated aqueous composition.

[0046] The aqueous composition may include dissolved transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids, or combinations thereof, and further includes forming a hydroxide salt including the transition metal, post-transition metal, or metalloid during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. The salt may precipitate in the aqueous composition. The method may include removing the precipitated salt from the treated aqueous composition. The transition metal, post-transition metal, or metalloid may include 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 combinations thereof. The transition metals, post-transition metals, or metalloids may include Hg, Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd, As, or combinations thereof.

[0047] The method comprises the steps of: at the anode, H2 and HO while immersing the galvanic cell in an aqueous composition; - The method may include forming (e.g., generating on the surface of the anode) H and HO at the cathode while immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. - The method may include forming (e.g., generating on the surface of the cathode) H2O2, HO2 at the cathode while immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. -The method may include applying shear to the aqueous composition while immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. The shear may be sufficient to remove at least some gas bubbles (e.g., H2) from the surface of the anode, cathode, or combination thereof. The shear may be sufficient to at least partially prevent or reduce oxide formation on the surface of the anode and / or cathode. The application of shear may include stirring and / or bubbling a gas (e.g., air) through the aqueous composition. In various embodiments, the stirring or bubbling of the 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 (e.g., Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or combinations thereof) released from the anode.

[0048] The method can include applying a mechanical force, such as rapping, knocking, stirring, vibrating, ultrasonic, etc., to the aqueous composition and / or the galvanic cell immersed therein. The mechanical force can be sufficient to remove at least some gas bubbles containing H2 from the surface of the anode, cathode, or combination thereof; to at least partially prevent oxide formation at the surface of the anode; to at least partially prevent aggregation of salts and / or coagulated particles formed in the aqueous composition during treatment with the galvanic cell on the surface of the anode, or a combination thereof.

[0049] The method can include adding an acid, a base, or a combination thereof to the aqueous composition to adjust its pH. The acid, base, or combination thereof can be added to the aqueous composition before immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, while immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, after immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, or a combination thereof.

[0050] The method can include recirculating the aqueous composition to contact the aqueous composition with the galvanic cell multiple times. The aqueous composition can optionally be filtered during recirculation, such as to remove salts and / or coagulated particles therefrom.

[0051] The cathode of the galvanic cell can include Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof (e.g., Cu or a Cu alloy, etc.). The cathode can be a solid material that is primarily Cu, Ni, Fe, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof, or another material coated with primarily Cu, Ni, Fe, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. The cathode can be substantially free of materials other than Cu, Ni, Fe, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. The cathode can include Ni-Cu alloys, Ni-Fe alloys, Cu-Fe alloys, or a combination thereof, and in some embodiments, the use of copper or iron alloys can increase the current generated in the galvanic cell and can increase hydrogen production. The cathode can be about 50% to about 100% by weight, about 90% to about 100% by weight, or greater than, 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 of Cu, Ni, Fe, alloys thereof, 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 include one or more precious metals deposited thereon, such as copper on the cathode. The one or more precious metals can be particulate deposits. The one or more precious metals can be Pt, Pb, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the cathode does not include a precious metal deposit thereon.

[0052] The anode may be a solid material of nearly homogeneous composition or may be a coating on another material. The anode has a different composition than the cathode. The anode may include Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof. The anode may include an alloy including Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or an alloy thereof. The Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, alloy thereof, or combination thereof may be about 50% to about 100% by weight of the anode, or may be greater than, 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. The anode may be substantially free of materials other than Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, alloys thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0053] The anode can further include Ag, Pt, Au, or a combination thereof. The Ag, Pt, Au, or a combination thereof can be about 0.0001% by weight to about 20% by weight, about 0.0001% by weight to about 5% by weight, or about 0% by weight, or about 0.0001% by weight or less, or 0.0002, 0.0004, 0.0006, 0.0008, 0.0010, 0.0012, 0.0014, 0.0016, 0.0018, 0.0020, 0.0022, 0.0024, 0. 0026, 0.0028, 0.0030, 0.0032, 0.0034, 0.0036, 0.0038, 0.0040, 0.0045, 0.0050, 0.0060, 0.0080, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, or about 20% by weight or more.

[0054] The anode can include Mg or an Mg alloy. The anode can be substantially free of materials other than Mg or its alloys. The anode can be a magnesium alloy AZ91, which is about 90% Mg, about 9% Al, and about 1% Zn by weight. The anode can be about 50% to about 100% Mg or Mg alloy, about 90% to about 100% by weight, or greater than, 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.

[0055] The anode can include Al. The anode can be substantially free of materials other than Al. The anode can be about 50% to about 100% by weight Al, about 90% to about 100% by weight Al, or greater than, 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 Al.

[0056] 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 homogenous composition or may be a coating on another material. The conductive connector may include Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Ni, Sn, Pb, or a combination thereof. The conductive connector may include Cu. The conductive connector may include Zn. The conductive connector may include an alloy including Cu and Zn. The conductive connector may include brass. The conductive connector may include brass and be substantially free of other materials. The conductive connector can be about 50% to about 100% by weight brass, about 90% to about 100% by weight brass, or greater than, 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 brass.

[0057] The cathode can have a work function greater than that of the anode. For example, Cu has a work function of about 4.53 to 5.10 eV, Mg has a work function of about 3.66 eV, and Al has a work function of about 4.06 to 4.26 eV. The conductive connector can have a work function between the work function of the cathode and that of the anode.

[0058] The aqueous composition has a conductivity of 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 about 100 μS, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1,000, 1,100, 1,200 μS, during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. The aqueous composition may have any suitable conductivity, such as greater than, less than, equal to, or greater than about 1,500, 2,000, 4,000, 6,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 150,000, 200,000, 250,000, 500,000, 750,000, or about 1,000,000 μS. The method may be without adjustment of the conductivity of the aqueous composition. In some embodiments, the method includes increasing the conductivity 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 from about 100 μS, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1,000, 1,100, 1,200, 1,500, 2,000, 4,000 , 6,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 150,000, 200,000, 250,000, 500,000, 750,000, or about 1,000,000 μS or more, less than, equal to, or greater than 1 μS. Adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition can include adjusting a rate at which new aqueous composition is introduced into the galvanic cell. Adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition can include adding one or more salts to the aqueous composition. The salts can be added to the aqueous composition before immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, while the galvanic cell is immersed in the aqueous composition, after the galvanic cell is immersed in the aqueous composition, or combinations thereof. The one or more salts added to the aqueous composition to adjust the conductivity of the aqueous composition can 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 the conductivity of the aqueous composition can include sodium chloride.

[0059] The galvanic cell is capable of generating an electric current when immersed in an aqueous composition. The amount of electric current generated by a galvanic cell is about 0.001 mA / cm 2 ~about 10mA / cm 2 , which is 0.01mA / cm 2 ~about 0.5mA mA / cm 2 or about 0.001 mA / cm 2 , 0.005, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.2, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or about 10mA / cm 2 Greater than, less than, equal to, or greater than mA / cm 2 The current may be any suitable amount, such as

[0060] The method may not require any step 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 about 6-8, or to about 7, or to a pH greater than, 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.

[0061] The method may include immersing one or more of the plurality of galvanic cells in a vessel containing the aqueous composition to form solids including substances (e.g., precipitates, salts, and / or coagulated particles) from the aqueous composition. The method may include filtering solids from the treated aqueous composition through one or more filters at least partially immersed in the aqueous composition in which the galvanic cells are immersed. The filters may include glass frits, woven filters, paper filters, disk filters, rotary filters, drum filters, screens, sieves, particulate filtration media, filter aids, or combinations thereof. The filters may be rotary disk filters. The filtering may include forming a filter cake on the filter, the filter cake including solids including substances from the aqueous composition. The filtering may include backwashing the filter to remove the filter cake from the filter to form a backwash liquid including the removed filter cake. The filter may be backwashed using any suitable water, such as a portion of the aqueous composition including the precipitate.

[0062] One or more galvanic cells can be disposed in the aqueous composition at the sides of the container, and the filter is disposed in the aqueous composition approximately at the center of the container such that the filter is intermediate the plurality of galvanic cells. The method can include using a plurality of filters. The plurality of filters can include a plurality of rotating disk filters.

[0063] The galvanic cell may include a conductive connector that electrically connects the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector including Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Ni, Sn, Pb, or a combination thereof. The conductive connector may include zinc. The conductive connector may include brass. Direct contact between the anode and the cathode (e.g., Mg / Cu or Al / Cu) may create a metal film (e.g., a protective film) at the contact point that increases the electrical resistance and thus reduces the amount of ions (e.g., Mg or Al ions) formed by the electrode at that location. A metal with a Fermi level between the anode and the cathode may reduce or completely avoid this problem, thereby providing a higher, more consistent, and longer-lasting current and ion production in the galvanic cell, and a more homogeneous and consistent dissolution of the aluminum or magnesium used in the electrode.

[0064] In some embodiments, the anode and cathode are in direct contact with each other and the galvanic cell is devoid of conductive connectors such that the electrodes are in an "electroless" configuration. In the electroless configuration, a sacrificial anode material can be electrochemically plated or deposited onto a non-sacrificial cathode material, eliminating the need for a conductive connector to electrically connect the anode and cathode. One advantage of various embodiments of the electroless configuration is that less copper metal can be used, reducing the electrical drop between the electrodes, compared to configurations that include conductive connectors.

[0065] A galvanic cell may include one cathode or multiple cathodes. A galvanic cell may include one anode or multiple anodes. A galvanic cell may include zero, one, or multiple conductive connectors. A galvanic cell may include multiple conductive connectors, each of which independently electrically connects an anode and a cathode (e.g., in a parallel configuration rather than a series configuration). The multiple conductive connectors may be approximately evenly spaced around the circumference of the galvanic cell. The conductive connectors may include connectors or fasteners such as screws, bolts, nuts, washers, or combinations thereof.

[0066] The galvanic cells can be of any suitable size or configuration such that the surface area of ​​the galvanic cell(s) per unit volume of the aqueous composition is sufficient for the one or more galvanic cells to have a 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 can be any suitable total surface area per galvanic cell, or total anode surface area exposed to the aqueous composition per cell, such as from about 1 cm. 2 ~Approx. 1,000,000cm 2 That is about 5 cm 2 ~About 200,000cm 2 That is about 10cm 2 ~Approx. 50,000cm 2 That is about 20cm 2 ~About 40,000cm 2 or about 1 cm 2 Less than or equal to 2cm 2 , 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250, 500, 750, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500, 5,000, 7,500, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000, 25,000, 30,000, 35,000, 40,000, 45,000, 50,000, 75,000, 100,000, 150,000, 200,000, 500,000, 750,000, or about 1,000,000 cm 2Greater than or equal to, less than, equal to, or greater than cm 2 The galvanic cell can have any suitable ratio of anode surface area to cathode surface area, such as the ratio of anode surface area exposed to the aqueous composition to cathode surface area exposed to the aqueous composition, from about 0.001 to about 10, 0.01 to 1, 0.5 to 2, or 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 with a Cu surface area greater than the Al surface area. High surface area cathode materials such as Cu nanoparticles, Cu sponges, Cu screens, porous or etched Cu, or combinations thereof can be used (e.g., for a Cu cathode with an Al anode). In some embodiments, the anode, cathode, or combinations thereof include roughened or etched surfaces to increase the surface area. In the methods described herein, 1, 1-1,000,000, 1-1,000, 1-20, or 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, Any suitable number of galvanic cells may be used, such as greater than, less than, equal to, or greater than 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 1,000,000. The cells may be used in a series or parallel electrical configuration.

[0067] The galvanic cell has a spacing between the surface of the anode and the surface of the cathode (e.g., a spacing between at least about 50% to 100%, or about 80% to about 100%, or about 50%, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, or about 99% or more of the surface area of ​​the cathode and the anode) of about 1 mm to about 110 mm, or about 2 mm to about 3 mm. In some embodiments, the spacing may be greater than, less than, equal to, or greater than about 1 mm, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, or about 110 mm.

[0068] The galvanic cell may be of planar shape having a thickness less than its height and width. The galvanic cell may include a planar frame of the galvanic cell and a cathode material disposed inside the periphery of the frame, the cathode material being electrically connected to the frame (e.g., via direct contact to the frame). The frame may be a component of the galvanic cell. The frame may be structurally sufficient to maintain its shape in the absence of any or all of the anodes. The planar frame and the cathode material disposed inside the periphery of the frame may both be cathodes.

[0069] The planar frame can be a non-porous solid material. The planar frame can be one or more strips of cathode material assembled to form a frame. The planar frame can have a polygonal perimeter, such as a square or a rectangle. The cathode material provided inside the perimeter of the planar frame can include a porous cathode material, including a wire, a mesh, a screen, a sheet with one or more through holes, or a combination thereof. The porous cathode material can include a wire mesh or a wire screen with a porous cathode material. The porous cathode material provided inside the perimeter of the planar frame can have an edge sandwiched between two planar frames, which are joined together and secure the porous cathode material therebetween using one or more conductive connectors, such as via compression, or via a conductive connector passing through one or more through holes in the porous cathode material, or a combination thereof.

[0070] The galvanic cell can include a number of pairs of planar frames (e.g., 2 to 20 pairs, or 2 to 10 pairs, or 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 or more, less than, equal to, or more than 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 or more pairs), each pair joined together with one or more conductive connectors and securing a porous cathode material therebetween, and each pair separated by one or more anodes that extend across the porous cathode material provided inside the periphery of the planar frames. The one or more anodes that separate each pair of planar frames from each other can directly contact one side of each pair of planar frames separated by the anodes. One or more anodes separating each pair of planar frames from one another may be in direct contact with one surface of each pair of planar frames separated by the anodes, and may not be in direct contact with the other surface of each pair of planar frames separated by the anodes.

[0071] The anode may be a strip fastened to the planar frame at two edges of the planar frame, the anode being fixed to the planar frame at each of the two edges of the planar frame with at least one conductive connector, the anode extending across the cathode material provided inside the periphery of the planar frame and forming a gap between the cathode material provided inside the periphery of the planar frame and the anode strip. The anode and the cathode may be in direct contact with each other at each edge of the planar frame where the anode is fixed to the planar frame via at least one conductive connector.

[0072] The galvanic cell may include a plurality of anodes, each anode being a strip fastened to the planar frame at two edges of the planar frame on a face of the frame, each of the anodes being fixed to the planar frame with at least one conductive connector at each of the two edges of the planar frame, each of the plurality of anodes extending across the cathode material provided inside the periphery of the planar frame and forming a gap between the cathode material provided inside the periphery of the planar frame and the anode strip, the plurality of anodes being spaced apart on all sides so as not to physically contact each other. Each of the plurality of anodes may extend across the cathode material provided inside the periphery of the planar frame substantially parallel to each other on the face of the planar frame, and 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 to which each anode is fixed may be opposite edges of the planar frame. A galvanic cell can have all of its anodes on a single major surface of the planar frame, or some of the anodes can be on one major surface of the planar frame and other anodes on another major surface of the frame.

[0073] FIG. 1A shows a galvanic cell 110 from a main surface according to various embodiments. The galvanic cell 110 includes a cathode, which includes a planar frame 120 of the galvanic cell having a polygonal perimeter, and a porous material 130, which is a wire mesh or wire screen, provided inside the perimeter of the frame and in direct contact with the frame. The galvanic cell 110 includes a plurality of anodes 140, each of which is a strip fastened to the planar frame at two opposite edges of the planar frame on the face of the planar frame. Each of the anodes is fixed to the planar frame with at least one of the conductive connectors 150 at each of the two edges of the planar frame such that each of the anodes is approximately parallel to one another, spans across the porous material provided inside the perimeter of the planar frame, and forms a gap (not shown) between the porous material provided inside 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 where the anode is secured to the planar frame via at least one conductive connector. A conductive connector (not shown) that simply passes through the planar frame 120 can also be used to secure the porous material 130 therebetween. The anodes are spaced apart on all sides so as not to physically contact one another, with a gap (not shown) between them of about 1 mm to about 110 mm.

[0074] FIG. 1B shows an enlarged cutaway end view of the galvanic cell 110, taken along the perspective shown on the right side of FIG. 1A. The galvanic cell can include a plurality of pairs of planar frames 120, each pair joined together with one or more conductive connectors (not shown) and securing a porous cathode material 130 therebetween. An anode 140 spans across the porous cathode material 130 provided inside the periphery of the planar frames 120. Each pair of planar frames 120 is separated by an anode 140 (only one such anode is shown in FIG. 1B). One or more anodes 140 that separate each pair of planar frames from one another directly contact the faces of each pair of planar frames 120 separated thereby.

[0075] The method can include adding an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, to the aqueous composition. Any suitable amount of oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, can be present in or added to the aqueous composition, such as 0.1 ppm to 1000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide (i.e., at the concentration measured in the aqueous composition), 1 ppm to 500 ppm, 1 ppm to 200 ppm, or up to 1000 ppm and up to 0.1 ppm, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, or 900 ppm.

[0076] The cathode may include a porous material such as a wire mesh or screen, or may be a porous material. The cathode may have a planar shape. The anode may include a planar non-porous body such as a rod, plate, or strip. The galvanic cell may include one cathode or two or more cathodes. The galvanic cell may include one and less than one cathode. The galvanic cell may have two and less than two cathodes. The galvanic cell may include one and less than one anode.

[0077] The cathode can be attached 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 screw 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 fastening 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 about 110 mm or less, and about 1 mm, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, or about 105 mm or less. The gap may be substantially uniform throughout the galvanic 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 from a non-conductive material such as plastic; in such embodiments, another suitable electrical connection from the anode to the cathode can be made, for example, via a potentiostat or wire.

[0078] The galvanic cell can include an anode, the anode including a planar non-porous body. The galvanic cell can include a cathode, the cathode including a wire mesh. The cathode can be positioned parallel to a major surface of the planar non-porous body of the anode such that a gap is formed between the major surface of the planar non-porous body of the anode and the cathode. The galvanic cell can also include at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode, the conductive connector maintaining a gap between the cathode and the major surface of the planar non-porous body of the anode.

[0079] The galvanic cell can include a single anode (e.g., no more than one anode), where the anode includes a planar non-porous body. The galvanic cell can include two cathodes, where each cathode includes a wire mesh. The cathodes can be disposed parallel to opposing major surfaces of the planar non-porous body of the anode such that they form a gap. The galvanic cell can include at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode, where the conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and the major surface of the planar non-porous body of the anode.

[0080] The galvanic cell may include a single anode, the anode including Mg, the anode including a planar non-porous body. The galvanic cell may include two cathodes, the cathodes including Cu, each including a wire mesh. The cathodes may be disposed parallel to opposing major surfaces of the planar non-porous body 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, the conductive connector maintaining a gap between the cathode and the major surface of the planar non-porous body of the anode.

[0081] The galvanic cell may include a single anode, the anode including Al, the anode including a planar non-porous body. The galvanic cell may include two cathodes, the cathodes including Cu, each including a wire mesh. The cathodes may be disposed parallel to opposing major surfaces of the planar non-porous body 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, the conductive connector maintaining a gap between the cathode and the major surface of the planar non-porous body of the anode.

[0082] 2 shows a side view of a galvanic cell 200 according to various embodiments. The galvanic cell includes a planar non-porous anode 210 with a wire mesh cathode 220 attached to the anode 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 may be an aluminum plate. The cathode may be a copper wire mesh. The conductive connector may be a brass fastener assembly such as a bolt, nut, and washer.

[0083] 3 shows a major surface of a galvanic cell 200 according to various embodiments. The galvanic cell includes a planar non-porous anode (not shown) with a wire mesh cathode 220 attached to the anode in a parallel configuration via a conductive connector 230 to maintain a gap between the cathode and the major surface of the anode. The galvanic cell includes a hole 240 that extends through the galvanic cell.

[0084] 4 shows a side view and a principal view of a galvanic cell 200, according to various embodiments. The galvanic cell includes a planar non-porous anode 210 with a wire mesh cathode 220 attached to the anode in a parallel configuration via a conductive connector 230. The galvanic cell includes a hole 240 that extends through the galvanic cell.

[0085] The method may include immersing a plurality of galvanic cells in the aqueous composition. The plurality of galvanic cells may each be attached to one or more structural connectors. The structural connectors may include rods, pipes, beams, hangers, brackets, hooks, or combinations thereof. The structural connectors may include non-conductive materials such as plastics (e.g., nylon, PVC, polyethylene, or combinations thereof). The structural connectors may include conductive materials such as metal alloys (e.g., carbon steel, stainless steel, or another alloy steel). In some embodiments, the conductive materials are coated with non-conductive materials such as non-conductive paints (e.g., epoxy-based paints) or are encased in non-conductive materials such as plastic tubes or pipes. The structural connectors may include carbon steel rods coated with epoxy-based paints. The galvanic cells may be removably attached to one or more structural connectors. The galvanic cells may each be suspended from one or more structural connectors.

[0086] In various embodiments, the galvanic cells can include one or more holes therethrough, and one or more structural connectors are attached to the galvanic cells via one or more holes in each galvanic cell.

[0087] The galvanic cell can include a plurality of galvanic cells immersed in the aqueous composition, each of the galvanic cells being attached to one or more structural connectors. Each galvanic cell can include a single anode, the anode including Mg, Al, or a combination thereof, the anode including a planar non-porous body. Each galvanic cell can include two cathodes, the cathodes including Cu, each cathode including a wire mesh, the cathodes disposed parallel to opposing major surfaces of the planar non-porous body of the anode such that they form a gap. Each galvanic cell can include at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode, the conductive connector maintaining a gap between the cathode and the major surface of the planar non-porous body of the anode.

[0088] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a plurality of galvanic cells 500 according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 shows a total of eleven galvanic cells, each including a planar non-porous anode and two wire mesh cathodes attached in a parallel configuration on either side of the anode via three conductive connectors that maintain a gap between the cathode and the anode. The plurality of galvanic cells includes a support rod 510 that passes through the holes of each cell. The plurality of galvanic cells can be secured by and suspended from the support rod.

[0089] Figure 6 shows a side view of the multiple galvanic cells from Figure 5, showing the main surface of the cells. In Figure 6, frames at the ends of the multiple cells hold support rods that support the cells. Figure 7 shows a view of the multiple galvanic cells from Figure 6, showing the side, top and main surfaces of the cells. The cells can be easily removed for maintenance by lifting the support rods that support the cells.

[0090] The terms and expressions employed are used as descriptive rather than limiting terms, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude any equivalents of the features or portions thereof shown and described, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. Thus, while the present invention has been specifically disclosed by certain embodiments and optional features, it is to be understood that modifications and variations of the concepts disclosed herein may be reclassified by those skilled in the art, and such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0091] Example. Various embodiments of the present invention may be better understood by reference to the following examples, which are provided by way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.

[0092] The examples of PCT / US2020 / 037405 and PCT / US2020 / 037407 are incorporated by reference in their entirety into this specification. Part I A galvanic cell having a copper frame / mesh cathode with an aluminum strip anode.

[0093] Unless otherwise indicated, for the miniature cells used in this part of the examples with copper cathodes and aluminum anodes, the final size was 5 cm x 20 cm and the thickness was about 4 mm, with copper mesh and anodes each having a thickness of about 1 mm. The aluminum anodes were 99.9% pure aluminum (6061 aluminum alloy) by weight. The copper used for the copper frame and copper mesh was 99.9% pure copper by weight. The miniature cells included a pair of copper meshes with an anode sandwiched between them, the copper mesh and anode separated from the copper mesh by 0.5 cm using electrically insulating plastic screws. The copper meshes were electrically connected to each other via copper wire. The anodes and cathodes were not electrically connected to each other (except via a multimeter and the surrounding water). The resulting surface area of ​​the sacrificial anodes exposed to water was about 400 mm per cell. 2 It was.

[0094] Example 1 Effect of relative surface area of ​​electrodes. Using a small Al-Cu galvanic cell, laboratory experiments have shown that increasing the Al surface while keeping the Cu electrode surface constant does not produce any noticeable change in the current circulating in the cell. However, if the Cu electrode surface is increased while keeping the Al electrode surface constant, the current in the cell increases. A side view of the cell used is shown in Figure 8.

[0095] These results suggest that the reactions on the copper surface are the initiators of the overall chemical processes occurring within the cell (e.g., these reactions are the rate-limiting step of the overall process). This result is therefore of great practical importance, as designs with Cu nanoparticle or Cu sponge electrodes, copper screening or other high surface area forms of copper could increase the amount of aluminum ions produced (or increase the current) for the same potential difference (voltage) in the galvanic cell.

[0096] Figure 9A shows plots showing current versus time for four different Al-Cu galvanic cells having a 1-sided Cu screen, a 2-sided Cu screen, a 3-sided Cu screen, and a 4-sided Cu screen. Figure 9B shows milligrams of aluminum ions produced versus time, calculated from the current in the graph of Figure 9A versus time. The results demonstrate that increasing the surface area of ​​the Cu electrodes increases the current in the galvanic cell and therefore increases the amount of aluminum ions produced per hour.

[0097] Example 2 Effect of air agitation. Laboratory-scale and pilot-scale (50 GPM) data on small Al-Cu galvanic cells showed that air agitation causes depolarization of the cathode electrode due to an increase in dissolved oxygen in the water. The reduction of molecular oxygen along with the decomposition of water at the cathode increases the current by 20-30%, thus increasing the amount of aluminum ions released from solution. Figure 10 shows a plot of current versus conductivity, showing that the use of air agitation increases the current at the same conductivity.

[0098] Example 3: Textile industry. In the textile industry, it has been reported that colorants are removed when Al and Fe electrodes are used in electrocoagulation systems by electrolysis. Galvanic cells produce the same effect with the advantage of no external energy application, which significantly reduces the passivation process and operates with much less anode consumption (e.g., about 10 times less consumption). Experiments carried out in our laboratory have verified that treatment with Al-Cu galvanic cells has great effectiveness in removing dye molecules such as azo dyes such as methyl orange and 2-naphthol orange (i.e., orange II or acid orange 7). In addition, subjecting water samples from a textile processing plant to galvanic treatment with Al-Cu cells caused a reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and a reduction in turbidity.

[0099] 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 utilizing a galvanic Al-Cu cell.

[0100] 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. Figure 11 shows the ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectra recorded as a function of time in this solution while in contact with a small galvanic Al-Cu cell. The galvanic cell was not completely immersed in the solution containing the dye. The surface of the aluminum plate was 160 cm2, and the ratio of the aluminum surface area to the volume of the solution was 0.162 cm2. 2 / cm 3 Before each spectroscopic measurement, the solution was filtered through a 0.45 μm filter.

[0101] In Figure 11, a decrease in absorbance is observed in the recorded spectrum as a function of time due to the adsorption of Orange II molecules onto freshly hydrolyzed aluminum particles, which are the products of the oxidation of the aluminum plate in the galvanic cell. Figure 12 shows the percentage of Orange II removed as a function of time (obtained from the signal at 486 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum), which shows a linear relationship for the adsorption of Orange II dye onto aluminum particles in suspension. The rate constant calculated from the graph is an apparent rate constant, since the removal rate of Orange II dye depends on the number of aluminum particles produced, on the aluminum surface area / solution volume ratio and on the conductivity of the solution.

[0102] The galvanic process for removal of soluble dyes represents a significant advance over conventional removal processes for Orange II dye, since adsorption occurs on hydrolyzed aluminum particles in suspension and not on the surface of the aluminum plate. This eliminates the need for a cleaning-in-place process or removal and regeneration of adsorbent materials as used in conventional processes. Based on the measured galvanic current, we estimated that the amount of aluminum produced was 5-6 ppm, sufficient to remove 80% of the initial Orange II dye concentration. This represents a lower consumption of aluminum compared to coagulations produced, for example, by chemical addition of aluminum salts or via the process of electrocoagulation by electrolysis.

[0103] Example 4 Reduction of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). Table 1 shows the effect of treatment with a galvanic process on the chemical oxygen demand of various aqueous compositions. During the galvanic treatment, air was bubbled through the compositions.

[0104] [Table 1]

[0105] Small Al / Cu cells were used for all aqueous compositions except for the treatment plant wastewater, which was treated with a galvanic cell as follows: the cells contained a copper cathode and an aluminum anode, with a final size of 10 cm x 160 cm, approximately 6 mm thick, and used copper mesh. The aluminum anode was 6061 aluminum alloy. The copper mesh was 99.9% pure copper. The cells contained a pair of copper meshes with an anode sandwiched between them, the copper mesh and anode separated by 0.5 cm from the copper mesh using a brass screw. A total of 192 cells were used. The resulting surface area of ​​the sacrificial anode exposed to the water was approximately 3200 cm per cell. 2 It was.

[0106] Example 5 Removal of silica from water. Although silica in its various forms is not harmful to animal and human life, some industrial processes require its removal. For example, the buildup of dissolved colloidal silica scale in cooling and evaporator towers is a major problem due to silica fouling, which results in high maintenance costs, discharge of treated water, use of anti-fouling chemical additives, and downtime. In processes using reverse osmosis, such as fresh water or drinking water treatment processes, the attachment of silica to the reverse osmosis membrane requires expensive chemical treatments and shortens the use time of the membrane. Galvanic cells are an economical and efficient method for removing silica from water. Table 2 shows the removal of silica from synthetic water using a galvanic process with a small Al / Cu cell. Synthetic water was formed by adding 5 g of NaCl and various amounts of Na2SiO3 to 1000 mL of tap water. The pH of the synthetic water was 8-8.5.

[0107] [Table 2]

[0108] Example 6 Reduction of turbidity in oil / water emulsions. Table 3 shows the reduction in turbidity of a synthetic oil / water emulsion using a galvanic process with a small Al / Cu cell. A synthetic oil / water emulsion was formed by combining a 1 mL mixture of cutting oil and automotive engine oil in a 1:1 ratio (wt) with 1000 mL of tap water and adding 5 g of NaCl. The resulting synthetic oil / water emulsion had a pH of 6.6. After using the galvanic process, the resulting water was filtered through a 1 micron cloth filter before turbidity testing. The units used for turbidity in Table 3 are Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). Turbidity was measured using a single detector at 90 degrees to the incident beam.

[0109] [Table 3]

[0110] Part II A galvanic cell with an aluminum strip anode and a copper mesh cathode. 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 for the copper mesh was 99.9 wt% pure copper.

[0111] Experiments were conducted using Lake Okeechobee as source water to measure the effect 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. The lake, like many other lakes, is highly polluted with excess nutrients.

[0112] 2 Electrodes and Autolab Potentiostat / Galvanostat The studies were conducted using linear voltammetry techniques using a Model PGSTAT302N. This galvanic cell has the same physical form and arrangement as the galvanic cell shown in Figures 2-4, except that instead of conductive connectors, plastic bolts, plastic nuts, and plastic washers were used to secure the cathode to the anode. The galvanic cell consisted of two copper mesh screens serving as cathodes, with dimensions of 1.8 cm x 1.1 cm x 0.5 cm, with a surface area of ​​approximately 2 cm2 on each major face. 2and an anode, which was a solid aluminum rod of 1.5 mm. The copper mesh screen was secured to the aluminum rod in two locations using plastic bolts, plastic nuts, and plastic washers such that the copper mesh screen was parallel to the major surface of the anode and a 3 mm gap was maintained between the copper mesh screen and the major surface of the anode. In this portion of the example, a batch process was performed, no stirring of the water was performed, and the water used was Lake Okeechobee water from the S-191 Canal, which has a conductivity of about 400 μS. In this portion of the example, one of these galvanic cells was tested. In this portion of the example, a non-conductive plastic connector assembly was used instead of the conductive connector described herein due to the use of a potentiostat to electrically connect the cathode and anode, but during use of the galvanic cell, the potentiostat can be omitted and the conductive connector described herein can be used instead of the plastic connector assembly.

[0113] The linear voltammetry method uses two electrodes and follows a sequential scan of (1) an applied potential difference in the opposite direction to the potential produced by the galvanic cell, and (2) a current circulating between the two electrodes. When the applied potential is zero, the recorded current corresponds to the natural or intrinsic current of the galvanic cell under the conditions studied, where an increase in the potential difference in the cell causes a decrease in the circulating current. By increasing the external electrical resistance, the current takes on a zero value from the situation where the applied potential difference is equal to the potential difference of the galvanic cell under operating conditions.

[0114] Figure 13 shows linear voltammograms of a galvanic cell in water with various amounts of hydrogen peroxide added. In Figure 13, when the potential difference applied between the electrodes is zero, it is observed that 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 galvanic cell shifts towards more positive potentials. The first addition of hydrogen peroxide produces an offset or displacement of about 0.2 V compared to the same measurement in the absence of hydrogen peroxide. Further addition of hydrogen peroxide produces an even larger offset or displacement towards more positive potentials. This relationship between the addition of hydrogen peroxide and the increasing positive potential is defined by the Nernst equation. This behavior indicates that once hydrogen peroxide is added, the main cathodic reaction is the reduction of this compound and not the decomposition of water, which occurs in the absence of hydrogen peroxide. The larger oxidation potential of hydrogen peroxide relative to water justifies the positive potential displacement. In all curves, two regions with different current vs. potential gradients can be developed, one at low current determined by the electrical resistance of the water between the two electrodes, and another at high current determined by the reaction rate in or on the surface of the electrodes, specifically the cathodic reaction. Increasing the addition of hydrogen peroxide expands the area related to the resistance of the water. If the rate-limiting reaction in the current vs. potential relationship is determined by the resistance of the solution between the electrodes, the addition of hydrogen peroxide will not cause a change in the current of the galvanic cell at a constant conductivity. Conversely, if the rate-limiting step is the reduction of hydrogen peroxide by the cathode, the addition or increase in the amount of hydrogen peroxide in the solution will result in an increase in the potential of the galvanic cell. From Figure 13, it is clear that the addition of hydrogen peroxide increases the potential of the galvanic cell, and therefore the mechanism of the reaction must be between the cathode and the hydrogen peroxide in the solution, as opposed to the decomposition of water.

[0115] Using Faraday's law, the amount of aluminum ions released into solution can be calculated from the current circulating in the galvanic cell. Figure 14 shows the amount of aluminum ions produced in the galvanic cell anodic reaction per square foot of electrode surface area at various amounts of hydrogen peroxide added. Figure 14 shows the flow rate of aluminum ions produced per unit area calculated from the maximum current values ​​in Figure 13 as a function of hydrogen peroxide addition. The slope obtained by conventional linear regression (a positive value of 1.62) indicates the flow of aluminum ions produced by the surface unit for each addition of 1 ppm of hydrogen peroxide. This relationship allows complete control of the concentration of aluminum ions in solution by controlling the addition of hydrogen peroxide.

[0116] Figure 15 shows the results of various amounts of OCl. - Figure 15 shows a comparison of the current obtained in a galvanic cell when hypochlorite and an almost equally strong oxidant are replaced by hydrogen peroxide in equal amounts. Theoretically, the current flowing through the galvanic cell with H2O2 or H2O2 added is proportional to the molar concentration of the compound. - The relationship between the slope of the graph obtained for the addition of OCl and the number of electrons transferred must have a value of up to about 3, whereas the experimental value obtained for hydrogen peroxide shows a value of 5.75. The experiments carried out show that the ratio of the values ​​calculated from the current measured in the galvanic cell and the concentration of aluminum ions in the solution with varying additions of hydrogen peroxide represents an almost 100% agreement. The conclusion that can be drawn is that the added hydrogen peroxide is consumed via a galvanic process due to its reduction (galvanic reaction) on the surface of the copper electrode, and that the OCl - The same measurements carried out with OCl show that in addition to its consumption via galvanic processes, further 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. OCl with additional competing reactions -The kinetic preference in cathodic reduction to hydrogen peroxide, due to its direct first-order relationship with hydrogen peroxide compared to utilizing other compounds, allows the reaction rate and the production of aluminum ions in solution to be controlled using a galvanic process.

[0117] The addition of hydrogen peroxide favors an oxidation-sterilization process by direct reaction and generation of OH radicals on the surface of the copper electrode. Exemplary embodiments.

[0118] The following exemplary embodiments are provided, the numbering of which should not be construed as designating a level of importance. Embodiment 1 provides a method of treating an aqueous composition comprising immersing a galvanic cell comprising an anode comprising Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof, and a cathode having a different composition than the anode and comprising Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof, in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition.

[0119] Example 2 provides the method of example 1, wherein the galvanic cell is operated as a galvanic cell. Example 3 provides a method according to any one of Examples 1-2, comprising applying no external potential between the anode and cathode of the galvanic cell.

[0120] Embodiment 4 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the external potential applied between the anode and the cathode is 0V. Embodiment 5 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the potential between the anode and the cathode is equal to the galvanic corrosion potential of the galvanic cell.

[0121] Embodiment 6 is directed to removing or reducing emulsions in the aqueous composition, coagulating and / or precipitating suspended solids from the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of one or more organic compounds in the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of one or more inorganic compounds in the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of one or more dyes and / or inks in the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of one or more metals in the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of one or more heavy metals, removing or reducing the concentration of one or more toxic compounds and / or substances in the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of fluoride in the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of sulfide in the aqueous composition, removing or reducing the concentration of arsenic in the aqueous composition, reducing the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the aqueous composition, reducing the turbidity of the aqueous composition, reducing the concentration of silica (e.g., SiO3) in ... 2- 5. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises removing or reducing the concentration of SiO3 in the aqueous composition, or a combination thereof. 2- The concentration of can be reduced by 1% to 100%, or 20% to 90%, or 30% to 80%, or 40% to 70%, or 100% or less and 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% or more.

[0122] Embodiment 7 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the aqueous composition comprises wastewater and / or effluent from food processing, landfills, laundry processes (e.g., detergent wastewater), industrial pulp or paper processes, industrial mining processes, industrial textile processes, metal treatment processes, metal polishing processes, metal working processes, industrial processes in the tanning industry, petroleum industrial processes, marine wastewater, or combinations thereof.

[0123] Embodiment 8 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the aqueous composition comprises water collected from a source including a natural source of water in the environment, drinking water, industrial wastewater, industrial cooling water, or a combination thereof.

[0124] Embodiment 9 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein an emulsion in the aqueous composition is removed or reduced. Embodiment 10 provides the method of embodiment 9, wherein the aqueous composition comprises an oil / water emulsion, a water / oil emulsion, and / or a latex emulsion, and the treated aqueous composition comprises less oil / water emulsion, water / oil emulsion, and / or latex emulsion than the aqueous composition.

[0125] Embodiment 11 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein suspended solids are coagulated and / or precipitated from the aqueous composition. Embodiment 12 provides the method of embodiment 11, wherein the aqueous composition comprises suspended solid particles, and the treated aqueous composition has a lower concentration of suspended solid particles than the aqueous composition.

[0126] Embodiment 13 provides the method of any one of embodiments 11-12, further comprising removing coagulated material and / or precipitate from the treated aqueous composition. Embodiment 14 provides the method of embodiment 13, wherein the removing comprises decanting, settling, filtration, or a combination thereof.

[0127] Embodiment 15 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of one or more organic compounds in the aqueous composition. 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.

[0128] Embodiment 17 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 15-16, wherein the organic compound is chemically converted, the organic compound is decomposed, the organic compound is oxidized, the organic compound is reduced, the organic compound is precipitated, the organic compound is coagulated, the organic compound is reacted with oxygen, the organic compound is reacted with chlorine, the organic compound is reacted with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or the cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0129] Embodiment 18 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of one or more inorganic compounds in the aqueous composition. 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.

[0130] Embodiment 20 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 18-19, wherein the inorganic compound is chemically converted, the inorganic compound is decomposed, the inorganic compound is oxidized, the inorganic compound is reduced, the inorganic compound is precipitated, the inorganic compound is coagulated, the inorganic compound is reacted with oxygen, the inorganic compound is reacted with chlorine, the inorganic compound is reacted with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or the cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0131] Embodiment 21 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the concentration of one or more dyes and / or inks in the aqueous composition is removed or reduced. 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.

[0132] Embodiment 23 provides the method of any one of embodiments 21-22, comprising chemically converting one or more dyes and / or inks, decomposing one or more dyes and / or inks, oxidizing one or more dyes and / or inks, reducing one or more dyes and / or inks, precipitating one or more dyes and / or inks, coagulating one or more dyes and / or inks, reacting one or more dyes and / or inks with oxygen, reacting one or more dyes and / or inks with chlorine, reacting one or more dyes and / or inks with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0133] Embodiment 24 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of one or more metals in the aqueous composition. 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.

[0134] Embodiment 26 provides the method of any one of embodiments 24-25, wherein the method comprises chemically converting one or more metals, decomposing one or more metals, oxidizing one or more metals, reducing one or more metals, precipitating one or more metals, coagulating one or more metals, reacting one or more metals with oxygen, reacting one or more metals with chlorine, reacting one or more metals with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0135] Embodiment 27 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of one or more heavy metals. 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.

[0136] Embodiment 29 provides the method of any one of embodiments 27-28, wherein the method chemically converts one or more heavy metals, decomposes one or more heavy metals, oxidizes one or more heavy metals, reduces one or more heavy metals, precipitates one or more heavy metals, coagulates 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.

[0137] Embodiment 30 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 29, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of one or more toxic compounds and / or substances in the aqueous composition. 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 substances than the aqueous composition.

[0138] Embodiment 32 provides the method of any one of embodiments 30-31, wherein the method comprises chemically converting one or more toxic compounds and / or substances, decomposing one or more toxic compounds and / or substances, oxidizing one or more toxic compounds and / or substances, reducing one or more toxic compounds and / or substances, precipitating one or more toxic compounds and / or substances, coagulating one or more toxic compounds and / or substances, reacting one or more toxic compounds and / or substances with oxygen, reacting one or more toxic compounds and / or substances with chlorine, reacting one or more toxic compounds and / or substances with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0139] Embodiment 33 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 32, wherein the method removes or reduces the concentration of fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof in the aqueous composition.

[0140] 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. Embodiment 35 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 33-34, comprising chemically converting fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; decomposing fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; oxidizing fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; reducing fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; precipitating fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; coagulating fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof; reacting fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof with oxygen; reacting fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof with chlorine; reacting fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode; or a combination thereof.

[0141]

[0036] Embodiment 36 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 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 between 1% and 100%, or between 1% and 99%, or between 3% and 95%, or between 5% and 85%, or by less than 100% and by 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% or more.

[0142] Embodiment 37 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 36, wherein the turbidity of an aqueous composition is reduced. 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 by less than 100% and by 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% or more.

[0143] Embodiment 38 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 37, wherein immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition forms a salt comprising materials from the aqueous composition and materials from the anode.

[0144] Embodiment 39 provides the method of embodiment 38, wherein the salt comprises a hydroxide salt. Embodiment 40 provides the method of any one of embodiments 38-39, further comprising removing salts from the treated aqueous composition.

[0145] Embodiment 41 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 40, wherein the aqueous composition comprises a dissolved transition metal, post-transition metal, metalloid, or combination thereof, and further comprises forming a hydroxide salt comprising the transition metal, post-transition metal, or metalloid during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition.

[0146] Embodiment 42 provides the method of embodiment 41, further comprising removing salts from the treated aqueous composition. Embodiment 43 provides the method of any one 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.

[0147] Embodiment 44 provides the method of any one of embodiments 41 to 43, wherein the transition metal, post-transition metal, or metalloid is Hg, Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd, As, or a combination thereof.

[0148] Embodiment 45 is a method for producing H2 and HO at the anode while immersing the galvanic cell in an aqueous composition. -The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 44 is provided, comprising forming

[0149] Embodiment 46 is a method for producing H2 and HO at the cathode while immersing the galvanic cell in an aqueous composition. - The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 45 is provided, comprising forming

[0150] In the embodiment 47, H2O2, HO2 are generated at the cathode while the galvanic cell is immersed in an aqueous composition. - or a combination thereof.

[0151] Embodiment 48 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 47, further comprising adding an acid, a base, or a combination thereof to the aqueous composition to adjust its pH.

[0152] 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 galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, after immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, or a combination thereof.

[0153] Embodiment 50 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-49, further comprising recirculating the aqueous composition to contact the aqueous composition with the galvanic cell multiple times. Embodiment 51 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 50, wherein immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition comprises partial immersion.

[0154] Embodiment 52 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 51, wherein immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition comprises full immersion. Example 53 provides the method of any one of the preceding embodiments, comprising immersing a plurality of galvanic cells in an aqueous composition.

[0155] Embodiment 54 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 53, wherein the cathode comprises Cu and the anode comprises Mg. Embodiment 55 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 54, wherein the cathode comprises Cu and the anode comprises Al.

[0156] Embodiment 56 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 55, wherein the cathode comprises Cu. Embodiment 57 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 56, wherein the cathode is substantially free of materials other than Cu.

[0157] Embodiment 58 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 57, wherein the cathode is about 50% to about 100% Cu by weight. Embodiment 59 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 58, wherein the cathode is about 90% to about 100% Cu by weight.

[0158] Embodiment 60 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 59, wherein the cathode comprises a Cu alloy, an Fe alloy, or a combination thereof. Embodiment 61 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 60, wherein the cathode comprises a Ni-Cu alloy, a Ni-Fe alloy, a Cu-Fe alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0159] Embodiment 62 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 61, wherein the anode comprises Al. Embodiment 63 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 62, wherein the anode is substantially free of materials other than Al.

[0160] Embodiment 64 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 63, wherein the anode is about 50% to about 100% Al by weight. Embodiment 65 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 64, wherein the anode is about 90% to about 100% Al by weight.

[0161] Embodiment 66 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 65, wherein the anode comprises an alloy comprising Mg and Al. Embodiment 67 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 66, wherein the Mg and Al are about 50% to about 100% by weight of the anode.

[0162] Embodiment 68 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 67, wherein the anode is substantially free of materials other than Mg, Mg alloys, and Al. Embodiment 69 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 68, wherein the anode further comprises Ag, Pt, Au, or a combination thereof.

[0163] Embodiment 70 provides the method of embodiment 69, wherein the Ag, Pt, Au, or combination thereof is about 0.0001% to about 20% by weight of the anode. Embodiment 71 provides the method of any one of embodiments 69-70, wherein the Ag, Pt, Au, or combination thereof is about 0.0001% to about 5% by weight of the anode.

[0164] Embodiment 72 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 71, wherein the anode comprises Mg. Embodiment 73 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 72, wherein the anode is substantially free of materials other than Mg or alloys thereof.

[0165] Embodiment 74 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 73, wherein the anode is about 50% to about 100% by weight Mg or an alloy thereof. Embodiment 75 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 74, wherein the anode is about 90% to about 100% by weight Mg or an alloy thereof.

[0166] Embodiment 76 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 75, wherein the anode and the cathode of the galvanic cell are in direct contact with each other. Embodiment 77 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 76, wherein the cathode has a work function greater than the work function of the anode.

[0167] Embodiment 78 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 77, wherein the galvanic 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.

[0168] Example 79 provides the method of example 78, wherein the conductive connector has a work function between the work function of the anode and the work function of the cathode. Example 80 provides the method of any one of examples 78-79, wherein the conductive connector comprises Cu.

[0169] Example 81 provides the method of any one of embodiments 78-80, wherein the conductive connector comprises Zn. Example 82 provides the method of any one of examples 78 to 81, wherein the conductive connector comprises an alloy including Cu and Zn.

[0170] Example 83 provides the method of any one of embodiments 78 to 82, wherein the conductive connector comprises brass. Example 84 provides the method of any one of embodiments 78 to 83, wherein the conductive connector comprises brass, and the conductive connector is substantially free of other materials.

[0171] Example 85 provides the method of any one of embodiments 78-84, wherein the galvanic cell comprises a plurality of conductive connectors, each conductive connector independently electrically connecting an anode and a cathode.

[0172] Example 86 provides the method of example 85, wherein the plurality of conductive connectors are disposed approximately evenly around the periphery of the galvanic cell. Example 87 provides the method of any one of examples 78 to 86, wherein the conductive connector comprises a screw, a bolt, a nut, a washer, or a combination thereof.

[0173] Example 88 provides the method of any one of embodiments 78 to 87, wherein the conductive connector comprises a screw or a bolt. Embodiment 89 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 88, wherein the galvanic cell comprises multiple cathodes.

[0174] Embodiment 90 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 89, wherein the galvanic cell comprises a plurality of anodes. Embodiment 91 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 90, wherein the ratio of the anode surface area to the cathode surface area of ​​the galvanic cell is from about 0.001 to about 10.

[0175] Embodiment 92 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the ratio of the anode surface area to the cathode surface area of ​​the galvanic cell is from about 0.01 to about 1. Embodiment 93 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 92, wherein the cathode comprises a roughened or etched surface.

[0176] Embodiment 94 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 93, wherein the conductivity of the aqueous composition during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition is from about 100 μS to about 1,000,000 μS.

[0177] Embodiment 95 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 94, wherein the conductivity of the aqueous composition during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition is from about 300 μS to about 100,000 μS.

[0178] Embodiment 96 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 95, further comprising adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition such that the conductivity is from about 100 μS to about 1,200 μS.

[0179] Embodiment 97 provides the method of embodiment 96, wherein adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition comprises adjusting a rate of introduction of new aqueous composition into the galvanic cell. Embodiment 98 provides the method of any one of embodiments 96-97, wherein adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition comprises adding one or more salts to the aqueous composition.

[0180] Embodiment 99 provides the method of embodiment 98, wherein the salt is added to the aqueous composition before immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, during immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, after immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, or a combination thereof.

[0181] Embodiment 100 provides the method of any one of embodiments 98-99, wherein the one or more salts added to the aqueous composition to adjust the conductivity of the aqueous composition comprise a halogen salt, a sodium salt, a potassium salt, or a combination thereof.

[0182] Embodiment 101 provides the method of any one of embodiments 98-100, wherein the one or more salts added to the aqueous composition to adjust the conductivity of the aqueous composition comprise sodium chloride.

[0183] Embodiment 102 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1-101, further comprising separating the treated aqueous composition from the galvanic cell. Embodiment 103 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 102, wherein the anode is a sacrificial anode.

[0184] Embodiment 104 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 103, further comprising applying shear to the aqueous composition while immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. Embodiment 105 provides the method of embodiment 104, wherein applying shear to the aqueous composition comprises bubbling air through the aqueous composition.

[0185] Embodiment 106 provides the method of any one of embodiments 104-105, wherein the shear is sufficient to remove at least some gas bubbles containing H2 from the surface of the anode, the cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0186] Embodiment 107 provides the method of any one of embodiments 104-106, wherein the shearing is sufficient to at least partially prevent oxide formation on the surface of the anode and / or cathode.

[0187] Embodiment 108 provides the method of any one of embodiments 104 to 107, wherein the shear is sufficient to at least partially prevent agglomeration of one or more substances on the surfaces of the anode and / or cathode.

[0188] Embodiment 109 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 108, wherein the galvanic cell is planar. Embodiment 110 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 109, wherein the galvanic cell has a thickness that is less than the height and width of the galvanic cell.

[0189] Embodiment 111 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 110, wherein the cathode includes a planar frame of a galvanic cell and a cathode material disposed inside the periphery of the frame, the cathode material being electrically connected to the frame.

[0190] Embodiment 112 provides the method of embodiment 111, wherein the frame is a component of a galvanic cell, the frame includes a cathode material, and the frame is structurally sufficient to maintain its shape in the absence of any or all of the anodes.

[0191] Embodiment 113 provides the method of any one of embodiments 111-112, wherein the planar frame is a non-porous solid material. Embodiment 114 provides the method of any one of embodiments 111-113, wherein the planar frame is one or more strips of cathodic material.

[0192] Embodiment 115 provides the method of any one of embodiments 111 to 114, wherein the planar frame has a polygonal perimeter. Embodiment 116 provides the method of any one of embodiments 111 to 115, wherein the planar frame is square or rectangular.

[0193] Embodiment 117 provides the method of any one of embodiments 111-116, wherein the cathode material provided inside the perimeter of the planar frame comprises a porous cathode material.

[0194] Embodiment 118 provides the method of embodiment 117, wherein the porous cathode material comprises a wire, a mesh, a screen, a sheet containing one or more through holes, or a combination thereof.

[0195] Embodiment 119 provides the method of any one of embodiments 117-118, wherein the porous cathode material comprises a wire mesh or wire screen comprising the porous cathode material.

[0196] Embodiment 120 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 117 to 119, wherein the galvanic 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, and the porous cathode material provided inside the outer periphery of the planar frame has an edge sandwiched between two planar frames, the two planar frames being joined together using one or more conductive connectors to secure the porous cathode material therebetween.

[0197] Embodiment 121 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 117 to 120, in which the galvanic cell comprises a plurality of pairs of planar frames, each pair joined together using one or more conductive connectors and having a porous cathode material fixed therebetween, and each pair separated by one or more anodes extending across the porous cathode material provided inside the periphery of the planar frames.

[0198] Embodiment 122 provides the method of embodiment 121, in which the one or more anodes separating each pair of planar frames from one another directly contact a face of each pair of planar frames that it separates.

[0199] Embodiment 123 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 121 to 122, in which one or more anodes separating each pair of planar frames from each other are in direct contact with one side of each pair of planar frames separated thereby, and are not in direct contact with the other side of each pair of planar frames separated thereby.

[0200] Embodiment 124 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 117 to 123, wherein the galvanic 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, the anode being a strip fastened to the planar frame at two edges of the planar frame, the anode being fixed to the planar frame using at least one of the conductive connectors at each of the two edges of the planar frame, and the anode extending across the cathode material provided inside the periphery of the planar frame to form a gap between the cathode material provided inside the periphery of the planar frame and the anode strip.

[0201] Embodiment 125 provides the method of embodiment 124, wherein the anode and cathode are in direct contact with each other at each edge of the planar frame where the anode is fixed to the planar frame via at least one conductive connector.

[0202] Embodiment 126 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 117 to 125, wherein the galvanic 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, the galvanic cell comprises a plurality of anodes, each anode being a strip fastened to the planar frame at two edges of the planar frame on a face of the frame, each of the anodes being fixed to the planar frame using at least one of the conductive connectors at each of the two edges of the planar frame, each of the anodes extending across a cathode material provided inside the periphery of the planar frame to form a gap between the cathode material provided inside the periphery of the planar frame and the anode strip, and the anodes are spaced apart on all sides so as not to be in physical contact with each other.

[0203] Embodiment 127 provides a method according to embodiment 126, in which the anodes each extend across a cathode material provided inside the periphery of a planar frame generally parallel to one another on the surface.

[0204] Embodiment 128 provides the method of any one of embodiments 126-127, wherein the two edges of the planar frame to which each anode is fixed are opposing edges of the planar frame.

[0205] Embodiment 129 provides the method of any one of embodiments 126-128, wherein all of the anodes are on a single major surface of the planar frame. Embodiment 130 provides the method of any one of embodiments 126-129, wherein some anodes are on one major surface of a planar frame and other anodes are on another major surface of the frame.

[0206] Embodiment 131 is a galvanic cell comprising a cathode, the cathode comprising a planar frame of the galvanic cell having a polygonal periphery, and a porous material provided inside the periphery of the frame, the porous material being a wire mesh or wire screen in direct contact with the frame, and a plurality of anodes, each anode being a strip fastened to the planar frame at two opposite edges of the planar frame on a face of the planar frame, each anode being fixed to the planar frame by at least one conductive connector at each of the two edges of the planar frame, so that each anode is approximately connected to each other. and a plurality of anodes, the anode strips being approximately parallel to each other and extending across a porous material provided inside the periphery of the planar frame, forming a gap between the porous material provided inside the periphery of the planar frame and the anode strips, each anode directly contacting the cathode frame at each of the edges of the planar frame where the anodes are secured to the planar frame via at least one conductive connector, the anodes being spaced apart across the entire surface of the planar frame such that the anodes are not in physical contact with each other, the gap being between about 1 mm and about 110 mm.

[0207] Embodiment 132 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 131, further comprising adding hydrogen peroxide to the aqueous composition. Embodiment 133 provides the method of embodiment 132, comprising adding between 0.1 ppm and 1000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide to the aqueous composition.

[0208] Embodiment 134 provides the method of any one of embodiments 132-133, comprising adding between 1 ppm and 500 ppm of hydrogen peroxide to the aqueous composition. Embodiment 135 provides the method of any one of embodiments 132 to 134, comprising adding between 1 ppm and 200 ppm of hydrogen peroxide to the aqueous composition.

[0209] Embodiment 136 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 135, wherein the cathode comprises a porous material. Embodiment 137 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 136, wherein the galvanic cell comprises two or more cathodes.

[0210] Embodiment 138 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 137, wherein the galvanic cell comprises no more than two cathodes. Embodiment 139 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 138, wherein the cathode comprises a wire mesh.

[0211] Embodiment 140 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 139, wherein the anode comprises a planar non-porous form. Embodiment 141 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 140, wherein the anode comprises a strip.

[0212] Embodiment 142 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 141, wherein the galvanic cell includes no more than one anode. Embodiment 143 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 142, wherein the cathode is attached to the anode via at least one conductive connector.

[0213] Embodiment 144 provides the method of embodiment 143, wherein the conductive connector comprises a weld, a fastener, a screw fastener, or a combination thereof. Embodiment 145 provides the method of any one of embodiments 143 to 144, wherein the conductive connector comprises a screw, a bolt, a bracket, a nut, a washer, or a combination thereof.

[0214] Embodiment 146 provides the method of any one of embodiments 143 to 145, wherein the conductive connector maintains a gap between the cathode and the anode, the gap being between about 1 mm and about 110 mm.

[0215] Embodiment 147 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 146, wherein the galvanic cell comprises an anode comprising a planar nonporous body, a cathode comprising a wire mesh, the cathode being arranged parallel to a major surface of the planar nonporous body of the anode such that a gap is formed between the major surface of the planar nonporous body of the anode and the cathode, and at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode and maintaining the gap between the cathode and the major surface of the planar nonporous body of the anode.

[0216] Embodiment 148 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 147, wherein the galvanic cell comprises a single anode comprising a planar non-porous body, two cathodes, each comprising a wire mesh, disposed on opposing major surfaces of the planar non-porous body of the anode such that they form a gap, and at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode and maintaining the gap between the cathode and the major surface of the planar non-porous body of the anode.

[0217] Embodiment 149 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 148, wherein the method comprises immersing a plurality of galvanic cells in an aqueous composition. Embodiment 150 provides a method according to embodiment 149, in which the galvanic cells are each attached to one or more structural connectors.

[0218] Embodiment 151 provides the method of embodiment 150, wherein the structural connector comprises a rod, a pipe, a beam, a hanger, a bracket, a hook, or a combination thereof. Embodiment 152 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 150 to 151, wherein the structural connector comprises a non-conductive material, or comprises a conductive material coated with a non-conductive material, or encased in a non-conductive material.

[0219] Embodiment 153 provides the method of any one of embodiments 150 to 152, wherein the structural connector comprises a steel rod coated with a non-conductive paint. Embodiment 154 provides the method of any one of embodiments 150 to 153, wherein the galvanic cell is removably attached to one or more structural connectors.

[0220] Embodiment 155 provides the method of any one of embodiments 150 to 154, wherein the galvanic cells are each suspended from one or more structural connectors. Embodiment 156 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 150 to 155, wherein the galvanic cells have one or more holes penetrating the galvanic cells, and one or more structural connectors are attached to the galvanic cells through one or more holes in each galvanic cell.

[0221] Embodiment 157 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 156, wherein the galvanic cell comprises a single anode comprising Mg and comprising a planar non-porous body, two cathodes comprising Cu, each cathode comprising a wire mesh, and both cathodes arranged parallel to opposing major surfaces of the planar non-porous body of the anode such that they form a gap, and at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode and maintaining the gap between the cathode and the major surface of the planar non-porous body of the anode.

[0222] Embodiment 158 ​​provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 156, wherein the galvanic cell comprises a single anode comprising Al and a planar nonporous body; two cathodes comprising Cu, each cathode comprising a wire mesh, and both cathodes positioned parallel to opposing major surfaces of the planar nonporous body of the anode such that they form a gap; and at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode and maintaining the gap between the cathode and the major surface of the planar nonporous body of the anode.

[0223] Embodiment 159 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 158, wherein the method comprises immersing a plurality of galvanic cells in the aqueous composition, each of the galvanic cells being attached to one or more structural connectors, the galvanic cell comprising a single anode comprising Mg, Al or a combination thereof and comprising a planar non-porous body, two cathodes comprising Cu, each cathode comprising a wire mesh, the two cathodes being positioned parallel to opposing major surfaces of the planar non-porous body of the anode such that they form a gap, and at least one conductive connector connecting the cathodes to the anode and maintaining the gap between the cathodes and the major surfaces of the planar non-porous body of the anode.

[0224] Embodiment 160 provides the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 159, comprising immersing one or more galvanic cells in a container with the aqueous composition to form a solid containing a substance from the aqueous composition, and filtering the solid from the treated aqueous composition through one or more filters at least partially submerged in the aqueous composition in which the one or more galvanic cells are immersed.

[0225] Embodiment 161 provides the method of embodiment 160, wherein the filter comprises a glass frit, a woven filter, a paper filter, a disc filter, a rotary filter, a drum filter, a screen, a sieve, a particulate filtration media, a filter aid, or a combination thereof.

[0226] Embodiment 162 provides the method of any one of embodiments 160 to 161, wherein the filter is a rotating disc filter. Embodiment 163 provides the method of any one of embodiments 160 to 162, wherein the filtering comprises forming a filter cake on the filter, and the filter cake comprises solids.

[0227] 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.

[0228] Embodiment 165 provides the method of embodiment 164, in which a portion of the water containing solids is used to backwash the filter. Embodiment 166 provides the method of any one of embodiments 160 to 165, wherein one or more galvanic cells are disposed in the aqueous composition at a side of the container, and a filter is disposed in the aqueous composition approximately in the center of the container.

[0229] Embodiment 167 provides the method of any one of embodiments 160 to 166, comprising filtering solids from the aqueous composition using a plurality of filters. Embodiment 168 provides the method of any one of embodiments 160 to 167, wherein the one or more filters include a plurality of rotating disk filters.

[0230]

[00136] Embodiment 169 provides a method of treating an aqueous composition comprising immersing in the aqueous composition a galvanic cell comprising an anode comprising Al and being about 90% to about 100% Al by weight, a cathode comprising Cu and being about 90% to about 100% Cu by weight, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode and comprising an alloy including Cu and Zn, to form a treated aqueous composition.

[0231] Embodiment 170 provides the method of embodiment 169, wherein immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition removes or reduces the concentration of substances in the aqueous composition, the substances including 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 substances, fluorides, sulfides, arsenic, or combinations thereof, and wherein immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition chemically converts the substances, decomposes the substances, oxidizes the substances, reduces the substances, precipitates the substances, coagulates the substances, reacts the substances with oxygen, reacts the substances with chlorine, reacts the substances with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or combinations thereof.

[0232] Embodiment 171 provides a method of coagulating and / or precipitating suspended solids from an aqueous composition, comprising: immersing in the aqueous composition a galvanic cell comprising an anode that comprises Al, and is about 90% to about 100% by weight Al; a cathode that comprises Cu, and is about 90% to about 100% by weight Cu; and a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising an alloy comprising Cu and Zn; to form a treated aqueous composition comprising the coagulated and / or precipitated suspended solids from the aqueous composition; and removing the coagulated and / or precipitated suspended solids from the treated aqueous composition.

[0233] Embodiment 172 provides a method of reducing or removing emulsion from an aqueous composition, comprising immersing a galvanic cell comprising an anode that comprises Al and is about 90% to about 100% by weight Al, a cathode that comprises Cu and is about 90% to about 100% by weight Cu, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode and comprising an alloy that comprises Cu and Zn, in an aqueous composition comprising an oil / water and / or water / oil emulsion, thereby reducing or removing the emulsion from the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition.

[0234] Embodiment 173 provides a method according to embodiment 172, wherein the turbidity of the aqueous composition is reduced by 80% to 99.999%.

[0043] Embodiment 174 provides a method of reducing the chemical oxygen demand of an aqueous composition, comprising immersing in the aqueous composition a galvanic cell comprising an anode that comprises Al and is about 90% to about 100% Al by weight, a cathode that comprises Cu and is about 90% to about 100% Cu by weight, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode and comprising an alloy that comprises Cu and Zn, thereby reducing or eliminating the chemical oxygen demand of the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition.

[0235] Embodiment 175 provides the method of embodiment 174, wherein the chemical oxygen demand of the aqueous composition is reduced by 3% to 95%.

[00136] Embodiment 176 provides a method of reducing or removing silica from an aqueous composition, comprising immersing in the aqueous composition a galvanic cell comprising an anode comprising Al, and being about 90% to about 100% by weight Al, a cathode comprising Cu, and being about 90% to about 100% by weight Cu, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising an alloy comprising Cu and Zn, thereby reducing or removing silica in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition.

[0236] Embodiment 177 is a method for preparing a SiO3 2- The method of embodiment 176, wherein the concentration of is reduced by 20% to 90%. Embodiment 178 provides a method of any one or any combination of the methods described in embodiments 1 to 177, optionally configured such that all elements or options described are available or selectable.

Claims

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

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the method coagulates and / or precipitates suspended solids from the aqueous composition.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method removes or reduces an emulsion in the aqueous composition.

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

5. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said method reduces the chemical oxygen demand of said aqueous composition by between 3% and 95%.

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

8. The method further comprises the step of: ３ ２－ The method of claim 1, wherein the concentration of is reduced by 20% to 90%.

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

10. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cathode comprises a planar frame of the galvanic cell and a cathode material disposed within an outer periphery of the frame, the cathode material being electrically connected to the frame, the cathode material disposed within the outer periphery of the planar frame comprising the porous cathode material.

11. immersing one or more of said galvanic cells in a container containing said aqueous composition to form a solid containing material from said aqueous composition; and filtering the solids from the treated aqueous composition through one or more filters at least partially submerged in the aqueous composition in which the one or more galvanic cells are immersed.

12. the porous cathode material comprises a wire mesh or wire screen; The method of claim 1.

13. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition forms a hydroxide salt comprising material from the aqueous composition and material from the anode, the method further comprising removing the salt from the treated aqueous composition.

14. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising adding an acid, a base, or a combination thereof to the aqueous composition to adjust its pH.

15. 1. A method for coagulating and / or precipitating suspended solids from an aqueous composition, the method comprising: an anode comprising Al, the anode being 90% to 100% Al by weight; a cathode comprising Cu, the cathode being 90% to 100% Cu by weight, the cathode comprising a porous cathode material; immersing the galvanic cell, the galvanic cell comprising: a conductive connector electrically and physically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising an alloy comprising Cu and Zn, the conductive connector comprising a screw or bolt extending between the anode and the cathode, maintaining a gap between the anode and the cathode, and the anode and the cathode not in direct contact with one another, in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition comprising suspended solids that have coagulated and / or precipitated from the aqueous composition; and removing said coagulated and / or precipitated suspended solids from said treated aqueous composition.

16. 1. A method for reducing or removing emulsion from an aqueous composition, the method comprising: an anode comprising Al, the anode being 90% to 100% Al by weight; a cathode comprising Cu, the cathode being 90% to 100% Cu by weight, the cathode comprising a porous cathode material; and a conductive connector electrically and physically connecting the anode and the cathode, the conductive connector comprising an alloy comprising Cu and Zn, a screw or bolt extending between the anode and the cathode, maintaining a gap between the anode and the cathode, and the anode and the cathode not in direct contact with each other. immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition comprising an oil / water and / or water / oil emulsion to reduce or remove the emulsion from the aqueous composition and form a treated aqueous composition. The method reduces the turbidity of the aqueous composition by 80% to 99.999%.

17. 1. A method for treating an aqueous composition, the method comprising: a plurality of anodes comprising Mg, Al, Fe, Zn or combinations thereof; a cathode having a different composition from the anodes, the cathode comprising Cu, Ni, Fe or a combination thereof, the cathode comprising a planar frame of a galvanic cell having a polygonal periphery and a porous material provided inside the periphery of the frame, the porous material being a wire mesh or wire screen in direct contact with the frame; a galvanic cell including: a plurality of conductive connectors electrically and physically connecting each of the plurality of anodes and the cathode, each conductive connector being a screw or bolt extending from an anode to the cathode, each of the plurality of conductive connectors including Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Ni, Sn, Pb, or a combination thereof; each of the plurality of anodes being a strip fastened to the planar frame at two opposing edges of the planar frame on a face of the frame, each of the plurality of anodes on the face being parallel to one another on the face; and prior to forming a gap between the porous material provided inside the outer periphery of the planar frame and the anode strip. forming a treated aqueous composition by immersing the galvanic cell, wherein each of the plurality of anodes is fastened to the planar frame via at least one of the plurality of conductive connectors at each of two edges of the planar frame across the porous material provided inside the periphery of the planar frame, each anode directly contacting the cathode at each edge of the planar frame where the anode is fastened to the planar frame by at least one conductive connector, the plurality of anodes being spaced apart across the face such that they are not in physical contact with each other, the gap being between 1 mm and 110 mm; the method removes or reduces an emulsion in the aqueous composition, coagulates and / or precipitates 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 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.

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