Galvanic process for processing aqueous compositions

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] This invention relates to a galvanic process for treating aqueous compositions. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrolytic treatment of aqueous compositions using electrochemical cells has a wide variety of applications, including electrocoagulation, emulsion breakdown, and oxidation and / or removal of metals such as heavy metals. Electrolytic treatment can be used to treat wastewater, wash water, and industrial treated water. In some applications, electrolytic treatment can be used to remove contaminants that are more difficult to remove by filtration or chemical treatment systems, such as emulsified oils, total petroleum hydrocarbons, persistent organic matter, suspended solids, and heavy metals. However, the electrolytic process requires a large amount of electricity to energize the electrochemical cell, resulting in rapid passivation and consumption of the anode material. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0003] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for processing an aqueous composition. The method involves immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a processed aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode comprising Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof. The galvanic cell includes a cathode having a different composition from the anode, the cathode comprising Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof.

[0004] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for processing an aqueous composition. The method comprises forming a processed aqueous composition by immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. The galvanic cell comprises an anode containing Al, wherein the anode is about 90% to about 100% by weight of Al. The galvanic cell comprises a cathode containing Cu, wherein the cathode is about 90% to about 100% by weight of Cu. The galvanic cell comprises a conductive connector that electrically connects the anode and the cathode, wherein the conductive connector comprises an alloy containing Cu and Zn.

[0005] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for solidifying and / or precipitating a suspended solid from an aqueous composition. The method comprises immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition containing a solidified and / or precipitated suspended solid. The galvanic cell comprises an anode containing Al, wherein the anode is about 90% to about 100% by weight of Al. The galvanic cell comprises a cathode containing Cu, wherein the cathode is about 90% to about 100% by weight of Cu. The galvanic cell comprises a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, wherein the conductive connector comprises an alloy containing Cu and Zn. The method comprises removing the solidified and / or precipitated suspended solid from the treated aqueous composition.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for reducing or removing emulsions from an aqueous composition. The method involves reducing or removing emulsions from an aqueous composition by immersing a galvanic cell in an aqueous composition containing an oil / water type and / or water / oil type emulsion, thereby forming a treated aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode containing Al, wherein the anode is approximately 90% to approximately 100% by weight of Al. The galvanic cell includes a cathode containing Cu, wherein the cathode is approximately 90% to approximately 100% by weight of Cu. The galvanic cell includes a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, wherein the conductive connector contains an alloy containing Cu and Zn.

[0007] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for reducing the chemical oxygen demand of an aqueous composition. The method involves immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to reduce or remove the chemical oxygen demand of the aqueous composition and form a treated aqueous composition. The galvanic cell comprises an anode containing Al, wherein the anode is about 90% to about 100% by weight of Al. The galvanic cell comprises a cathode containing Cu, wherein the cathode is about 90% to about 100% by weight of Cu. The galvanic cell comprises a conductive connector electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, wherein the conductive connector comprises an alloy containing Cu and Zn.

[0008] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for reducing or removing silica from an aqueous composition. The method involves reducing or removing silica from an aqueous composition by immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition to form a treated aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode containing Al, wherein the anode is approximately 90% to approximately 100% by weight of Al. The galvanic cell includes a cathode containing Cu, wherein the cathode is approximately 90% to approximately 100% by weight of Cu. The galvanic cell includes a conductive connector that electrically connects the anode and the cathode, wherein the conductive connector contains an alloy containing Cu and Zn.

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for processing an aqueous composition. The method includes forming a processed aqueous composition by immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode comprising Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof. The anode comprises a planar nonporous material. The galvanic cell includes a cathode having a different composition from the anode. The cathode comprises Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof. The cathode comprises a wire mesh. The cathode is positioned parallel to the main surface of the planar nonporous material of the anode such that a gap is formed between the main surface of the planar nonporous material 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 the gap between the cathode and the main surface of the planar nonporous material in the anode.

[0010] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treating an aqueous composition. The method includes forming a treated aqueous composition by immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes a single anode comprising Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof. The anode includes a planar non-porous body. The galvanic cell includes two cathodes having a composition different from that of the anode. The cathodes include Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof. Each cathode includes a wire mesh. Both cathodes are arranged on opposite main surfaces of the planar non-porous body of the anode so as to form a gap therebetween. The galvanic cell also includes at least one conductive connector connecting the cathodes to each other. The conductive connector maintains a gap between the main surfaces of the planar non-porous body at the cathodes and the anode.

[0011] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treating an aqueous composition. The method includes forming a treated aqueous composition by immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes a single anode. The anode contains Mg. The anode includes a planar non-porous body. The galvanic cell includes two cathodes. The cathodes contain Cu. Each cathode includes a wire mesh. Both cathodes are arranged parallel to opposite main surfaces of the planar non-porous body of the anode so as to form a gap therebetween. The galvanic cell also includes at least one conductive connector connecting the cathodes to the anode. The conductive connector maintains a gap between the main surfaces of the planar non-porous body at the cathodes and the anode.

[0012] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for processing an aqueous composition. The method involves forming a processed aqueous composition by immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes a single anode. The anode contains Al. The anode contains a planar nonporous body. The galvanic cell includes two cathodes. The cathodes contain Cu. Each cathode contains a wire mesh. The two cathodes are arranged parallel to the two opposing main surfaces of the planar nonporous body of the anode so that they form a gap between them. The galvanic cell also includes at least one conductive connector connecting the cathodes to the anode. The conductive connector maintains the gap between the cathodes and the main surfaces of the planar nonporous body in the anode.

[0013] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for processing an aqueous composition. The method involves forming a processed aqueous composition by immersing a plurality of galvanic cells in the aqueous composition. Each galvanic cell 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 nonporous body. Each galvanic cell includes two cathodes. The cathodes include Cu. Each cathode includes a wire mesh. Both cathodes are positioned parallel to the two opposing principal surfaces of the planar nonporous body of the anode so that they form a gap between them. Each galvanic cell also includes at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode. The conductive connector maintains the gap between the cathode and the principal surface of the planar nonporous body at the anode.

[0014] In various embodiments, the galvanic process of the present invention provides an alternative to the electrolytic treatment of aqueous compositions such as electrolytic electrocoagulation or other electrolytic processes. The galvanic process has the advantage of not using an external potential applied between an anode and a cathode, in contrast to electrolytic processes that require an external potential applied between an anode and a 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 the overall cost is less (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 presence of undesirable chemical reactions (e.g., formation of chlorates or bromates), or a combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The drawings generally illustrate, by way of example and not limitation, various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 1A] Shows a galvanic cell as seen from the main face according to various embodiments. [Figure 1B] Shows an enlarged cutaway end view of a galvanic cell according to various embodiments. [Figure 2] Shows a side view of a galvanic cell according to various embodiments. [Figure 3] Shows the main face of a galvanic cell according to various embodiments. [Figure 4] Shows a side view and a main face view of a galvanic cell according to various embodiments. [Figure 5] Shows side views of multiple galvanic cells according to various embodiments. [Figure 6] Shows a view of multiple galvanic cells with the main faces of the cells visible according to various embodiments. [Figure 7]The diagrams show multiple galvanic cells, illustrating the side, top, and main surfaces of the battery according to various embodiments. [Figure 8] Side views of galvanic cells in various embodiments are shown. [Figure 9A] The following plots show current versus time for four different Al-Cu galvanic cells having one Cu screen, two Cu screens, three Cu screens, and four Cu screens according to various embodiments. [Figure 9B] Figure 3A shows the milligrams of aluminum ions generated over time for four different Al-Cu galvanic cells, calculated from the currents in the graphs of various embodiments. [Figure 10] The current-to-conductivity plots for Al-Cu galvanic cells with and without air agitation, according to various embodiments, are shown. [Figure 11] The ultraviolet-visible spectra of solutions containing Orange II in contact with a Cu-Al galvanic cell at various time points are shown for various embodiments. [Figure 12] The following shows the removal percentage over time for Orange II removal using a Cu-Al battery, as indicated by the signal at 486 nm in the ultraviolet-visible spectrum, according to various embodiments. [Figure 13] Linear voltammograms of galvanic cells in water with varying amounts of hydrogen peroxide added, according to various embodiments, are shown. [Figure 14] The amount of aluminum ions produced per square foot of electrode surface area in the anode reaction of a galvanic cell, for various amounts of added hydrogen peroxide according to various embodiments, is shown. [Figure 15] The currents in galvanic cells with varying amounts of added OCl- or H2O2 are shown according to various embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Herein, specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are referred to in detail. The disclosed subject matter is described in conjunction with the enumerated claims, but it will be understood that the illustrative subject matter is not intended to limit the claims to the disclosed subject matter.

[0017] Throughout this specification, values ​​expressed in range form should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values ​​explicitly stated as limits to the range, but also all individual numerical values ​​or subranges contained within that range, as if each numerical value and subrange were explicitly stated. For example, the range “approximately 0.1% to approximately 5%” or “approximately 0.1% to approximately 5%” should be interpreted to include not only approximately 0.1% to approximately 5%, but also the individual values ​​within the indicated range (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%). The statement “approximately X to Y” is synonymous with “approximately X to approximately Y” unless otherwise indicated. Similarly, the statement “approximately X, Y, or approximately Z” is synonymous with “approximately X, approximately Y, or approximately Z” unless otherwise indicated.

[0018] In this specification, the terms “a,” “an,” or “it” are used to include one or more unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “or” is used to indicate a non-exclusive “or” unless otherwise indicated. The statement “at least one of A and B” or “at least one of A or B” is synonymous with “A, B, or A and B.” Furthermore, it should be understood that any expressions or technical terms used herein that are not otherwise defined are for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation. Any use of section titles is intended to aid the reading of this specification and should not be interpreted as limiting, and information relating to a section title may be found inside or outside that particular section.

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

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

[0021] As used herein, the term “substantially” means 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 100%. As used herein, the term “substantially absent” can mean that there is none, or that the amount of the substance present is so insignificant that it does not affect the material properties of the composition containing the substance, for example, that the substance in the composition is about 0% to about 5% by weight, or about 0% to about 1% by weight, or about 5% or less by weight, or about 4.5% by weight, 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% or less by weight, less than, equal to, or greater than, or about 0% by weight.

[0022] In various embodiments, a salt having a positively charged counterion may contain any suitable positively charged counterion. For example, the counterion may be ammonium (NH4) + ), or sodium (Na + ), potassium (K + ), or lithium (Li+ ) can be alkali metals such as Zn. In some embodiments, the counterion can have a positive charge greater than +1, which in some embodiments is Zn. 2+ , Al 3+ Multiple ionizing groups such as Ca 2+ Or Mg 2+ It can form complexes with alkaline earth metals such as [specific examples of alkaline earth metals].

[0023] The disclosures in PCT / US2020 / 037405 and PCT / US2020 / 037407 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. A method for processing an aqueous composition.

[0024] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treating an aqueous composition. The method includes forming a treated aqueous composition by immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. The galvanic cell includes an anode comprising Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof. The galvanic cell includes a cathode having a different composition from the anode, the cathode comprising Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof. The method may include immersing one of several galvanic cells in the aqueous composition, or immersing several galvanic cells in the aqueous composition.

[0025] This method involves operating a galvanic cell as a galvanic cell. Operating a galvanic cell as a galvanic cell involves applying a 0 external potential (0V) between the anode and cathode of the galvanic cell. While the galvanic cell is operating as a galvanic cell, the potential between the anode and cathode is equal to the galvanic corrosion potential of the galvanic cell (for example, the potential reached when the anode and cathode are immersed in an aqueous composition and no external potential is applied).

[0026] The immersion of the galvanic cell into the aqueous composition can include partial immersion such that any suitable percentage of the surface area of the galvanic cell, such as about 1% to about 100%, 80% to about 100%, or about 1%, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, or about 99% or more, less than, equal to, or greater than, etc., is in contact with the aqueous composition. The immersion of the galvanic cell into 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, a method of treating an aqueous composition can be to remove or reduce an emulsion in the aqueous composition, coagulate and / or precipitate suspended solids from the aqueous composition, remove or reduce the concentration of one or more organic compounds in the aqueous composition, remove or reduce the concentration of one or more inorganic compounds in the aqueous composition, remove or reduce the concentration of one or more dyes and / or inks in the aqueous composition, remove or reduce the concentration of one or more metals in the aqueous composition, remove or reduce the concentration of one or more heavy metals, remove or reduce the concentration of one or more toxic compounds and / or substances in the aqueous composition, remove or reduce the concentration of fluoride in the aqueous composition, remove or reduce the concentration of sulfide in the aqueous composition, remove or reduce the concentration of arsenic in the aqueous composition, reduce the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the aqueous composition, reduce the turbidity of the aqueous composition, remove or reduce the concentration of silica (e.g., SiO3 2- ) in the aqueous composition, or a combination thereof.

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

[0029] A method for treating an aqueous composition can reduce or remove the emulsion therein. The aqueous composition may contain an oil / water emulsion, a water / oil emulsion, and / or a latex emulsion, and the treated aqueous composition contains less oil / water emulsion, water / oil emulsion, and / or latex emulsion than the aqueous composition.

[0030] A method for treating an aqueous composition can remove one or more organic compounds from the aqueous composition or reduce their concentration. The treated aqueous composition may have one or more organic compounds at a lower concentration than the aqueous composition. Removal or reduction may occur through 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] A method for treating an aqueous composition can remove one or more inorganic compounds from the aqueous composition or reduce their concentration. The treated aqueous composition may have one or more inorganic compounds at a lower concentration than the aqueous composition. Removal or reduction may occur through 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] A method for treating an aqueous composition can remove or reduce the concentration of one or more dyes and / or inks in the aqueous composition. The treated aqueous composition may have one or more dyes and / or inks at lower concentrations than the aqueous composition. Removal or reduction may occur through 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 a combination thereof. The dye may be any suitable dye that can be removed using the method. For example, the dye may be an azo dye such as methyl orange and / or orange II. This method can remove any suitable amount of dye molecules, for example, 10-100%, 50-100%, 80-100%, or 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% or more, less than, equal to, or greater than.

[0033] A method for treating an aqueous composition can remove one or more metals from the aqueous composition or reduce their concentration. The treated aqueous composition may have one or more metals at lower concentrations than the aqueous composition. Removal or reduction can occur through 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, solidify 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 a combination thereof.

[0034] A method for treating an aqueous composition can remove one or more heavy metals from the aqueous composition or reduce their concentration. The treated aqueous composition may have one or more metals at lower concentrations than the aqueous composition. Removal or reduction may occur through 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 a combination thereof.

[0035] A method for 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 may have one or more toxic compounds and / or substances at lower concentrations than the aqueous composition. Removal or reduction may occur through 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 a combination thereof.

[0036] A method for treating an aqueous composition can remove or reduce the concentration of fluorides, sulfides, arsenic, or combinations thereof in the aqueous composition. The treated aqueous composition may have lower concentrations of fluorides, sulfides, arsenic, or combinations thereof than the original aqueous composition. Removal or reduction may occur through any suitable mechanism. For example, this method can chemically convert fluorides, sulfides, arsenic, or combinations thereof; decompose fluorides, sulfides, arsenic, or combinations thereof; oxidize fluorides, sulfides, arsenic, or combinations thereof; reduce fluorides, sulfides, arsenic, or combinations thereof; precipitate fluorides, sulfides, arsenic, or combinations thereof; coagulate fluorides, sulfides, arsenic, or combinations thereof; react fluorides, sulfides, arsenic, or combinations thereof with oxygen; react fluorides, sulfides, arsenic, or combinations thereof with chlorine; react fluorides, sulfides, arsenic, or combinations thereof with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode; or perform these combinations.

[0037] In various embodiments, the method can reduce the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of an aqueous composition, reduce the turbidity of an aqueous composition, or a combination thereof. The treated aqueous composition may have a reduced COD, reduced turbidity, or a combination thereof compared to the aqueous composition. For example, the method can reduce the COD of an aqueous composition by 1% to 100%, or 1% to 99%, or 3% to 95%, or 5% to 85%, or 100% or less, 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. For example, this method can reduce the turbidity of an aqueous composition (e.g., an oil / water type or water / oil type emulsion) by 1% to 100%, or 1% to 99.99%, or 80% to 99.99%, or 90% to 99.99%, or 100% or less, 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.

[0038] In various embodiments, this method can reduce or remove silica from aqueous compositions. For example, this method can reduce or remove SiO3 from aqueous compositions. 2- The concentration can be reduced to 1% to 100%, or 20% to 90%, or 30% to 80%, or 40% to 70%, or 100% or less, and to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.9%, or 99.99% or more.

[0039] The aqueous composition treated by this method may be any suitable aqueous composition, for example, an aqueous composition comprising wastewater and / or wasteliquid from food processing, landfill, laundry processes (e.g., detergent wastewater), industrial pulp or paper processes, industrial mining processes, industrial textile processes, metal processing processes, metal polishing processes, metalworking processes, industrial processes in the tanning industry, petroleum industry processes, marine wastewater (e.g., emulsion removal), or a combination thereof. The aqueous composition may include water taken from sources including natural sources of water in the environment, drinking water, industrial wastewater, industrial cooling water, or a combination thereof.

[0040] The paper industry consumes large amounts of water and contains many organic impurities consisting of lignin-degrading compounds, suspended solids from tannins, and strong colors. The aqueous compositions treated by the method of the present invention may include wastewater and / or wasteliquid from industrial pulp or paper processes. The method of the present invention can destabilize colloidal solutions, thereby reducing or removing them. In various embodiments, novel amorphous Al(xH2O), which may be formed from the anode of a galvanic cell, has a large surface area that improves the adsorption of soluble organic compounds, trapping colloidal solids and thereby resulting in a reduction of 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 compositions treated by the method of the present invention may include wastewater and / or waste liquid from industrial textile processes. Galvanic cells can provide the same effects as the passivation process, which can be significantly reduced due to the absence of external energy application and a reduction in anode consumption, such as at least 10 times less than electrocoagulation processes. Experiments conducted in the inventors' laboratory have demonstrated that the aluminum galvanic process is highly effective 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 treatment plants resulted in a reduction in COD and turbidity.

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

[0043] The galvanic method of the present invention can reduce COD, turbidity, and the concentration of metals present in the flow of waste and by-products from the tanning industry process. The adsorption-coagulation process reduces the stability of colloidal particles present in these waters, generating larger particles that can be precipitated or filtered, thus reducing turbidity. Similar effects can occur with fats, greases, and common organic substances, leading to a reduction in COD in the system. Cr 6+ and Cr 3+ Metals present on the cathode surface can be reduced, and the use of a galvanic Mg cell can result in an increase in pH from the acidic to the basic range, which can cause the precipitation of metal hydroxides.

[0044] For example, aqueous compositions treated by the method of the present invention may include wastewater and / or waste liquid from food processing, laundry processes (e.g., detergent wastewater), metal processing processes, metal polishing processes, metalworking processes, petroleum industry processes, marine wastewater (e.g., emulsion removal), or combinations thereof. Food processing, petroleum, metal processing, and the marine industry may 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, resulting in a decrease in free energy at the oil / water interface, thereby causing its decomposition. The main destabilization mechanism may be the adhesion of adsorbent polymers to two or more droplets at once (e.g., crosslinking aggregation). The method can cause a decrease in interfacial tension that stabilizes the emulsion, thereby reducing or removing the emulsion. The method can be used to economically remove or reduce emulsions in large quantities of wastewater.

[0045] Immersion of a galvanic cell in an aqueous composition can form a salt containing substances from the aqueous composition (e.g., substances originally present in the aqueous composition and / or reaction products formed during the operation of the galvanic cell, or any suitable substances in the aqueous composition that can form a salt) and substances from the anode (i.e., substances produced at the anode during the operation of the galvanic cell). The salt can be any suitable salt. For example, the salt can include hydroxide salts. The salt can precipitate in the aqueous composition. The method may include removing the precipitated salt from the treated aqueous composition.

[0046] The aqueous composition may contain dissolved transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids, or combinations thereof, and further comprises forming hydroxide salts containing the transition metals, post-transition metals, or metalloids while immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition. The salts may precipitate in the aqueous composition. The method may include removing the precipitated salts from the treated aqueous composition. The transition metals, post-transition metals, or metalloids 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. Transition metals, post-transition metals, or metalloids may include Hg, Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd, As, or combinations thereof.

[0047] This method involves immersing a galvanic cell in an aqueous composition while H2 and HO are present at the anode. - This method may include forming (for example, on the surface of the anode). The method involves immersing the galvanic cell in an aqueous composition while H2 and HO are present at the cathode. - This method may include forming (for example, on the surface of the cathode) H2O2, HO2 -or a combination thereof may be formed (e.g., generated on the surface of the cathode). The method may include applying shear to the aqueous composition while the galvanic cell is immersed in the aqueous composition. The shear may be sufficient to remove at least some bubbles (e.g., H2) from the surface of the anode, cathode, or a 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, stirring or bubbling a gas may increase the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the aqueous composition, at least partially polarize the cathode, increase the amount of current produced, and / or increase the amount of substance (e.g., Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or a combination thereof) released from the anode.

[0048] This method may include applying mechanical forces such as lapping, knocking, stirring, vibration, or ultrasound to an aqueous composition and / or a galvanic cell immersed therein. The mechanical force may be sufficient to remove at least some H2-containing bubbles from the surface of the anode, cathode, or a combination thereof; at least partially prevent oxide formation on the anode surface; at least partially prevent the aggregation of salts and / or solidified particles formed in the aqueous composition during treatment by the galvanic cell on the anode surface, or a combination thereof.

[0049] This method may include adjusting the pH of an aqueous composition by adding an acid, a base, or a combination thereof. The acid, base, or a combination thereof may 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 immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, or in combination thereof.

[0050] This method may include recirculating the aqueous composition and bringing it into contact with the galvanic cell multiple times. The aqueous composition may optionally be filtered during recirculation, for example, to remove salts and / or solidified particles.

[0051] The cathode of a galvanic cell may include Cu, Ni, Fe, or a combination thereof (e.g., Cu or a Cu alloy). The cathode may be a solid material that is primarily Cu, Ni, Fe, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof, or another material coated with primarily Cu, Ni, Fe, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. The cathode may not substantially contain any material other than Cu, Ni, Fe, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. The cathode may include Ni-Cu alloys, Ni-Fe alloys, Cu-Fe alloys, or combinations thereof, and in some embodiments, the use of copper or iron alloys can increase the current generated in the galvanic cell and increase hydrogen production. The cathode may be Cu, Ni, Fe, alloys thereof, or combinations thereof in an amount of about 50% to about 100% by weight, about 90% to about 100% by weight, or about 50%, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.5, 99.9, 99.99, or about 99.999% by weight or more, less than, equal to, or greater than 99.999% by weight. In some embodiments, the cathode contains Cu and the anode contains Mg. In some embodiments, the cathode contains Cu and the anode contains Al. The cathode may contain one or more noble metals deposited thereon, such as copper on the cathode. One or more noble metals may be particulate deposits. One or more noble metals may be Pt, Pb, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the cathode does not contain noble metal deposits thereon.

[0052] The anode may be a solid material of substantially homogeneous composition or a coating on another material. The anode has a different composition from the cathode. The anode may include Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or combinations thereof. The anode may include alloys containing Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, or alloys thereof. Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, alloys thereof, or combinations thereof may be about 50% to about 100% by weight of the anode, or about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or about 99%, 99.5%, 99.9%, 99.99%, or about 99.999% by weight or more, less than, equal to, or greater than. The anode may not substantially contain any material other than Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, alloys thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0053] The anode may further include Ag, Pt, Au, or combinations thereof. The Ag, Pt, Au, or combinations thereof may be present in amounts of approximately 0.0001% to approximately 20% by weight, approximately 0.0001% to approximately 5% by weight, or approximately 0% by weight, or less than or equal to approximately 0.0001% by weight, 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. 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 approximately 20% by weight or more.

[0054] The anode may contain Mg or a Mg alloy. The anode may not contain substantially any substance other than Mg or its alloy. The anode may be a magnesium alloy AZ91, which is about 90 wt% Mg, about 9 wt% Al, and about 1 wt% Zn. The anode may contain about 50 wt% to about 100 wt%, about 90 wt% to about 100 wt%, or about 50 wt%, 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 wt% or more, less than, equal to, or greater than.

[0055] The anode may contain Al. The anode does not have to contain substantially any substance other than Al. The anode may contain Al in a weight of approximately 50% to approximately 100%, approximately 90% to approximately 100%, or approximately 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or approximately 99%, 99.5%, 99.9%, 99.99%, or approximately 99.999% or more by weight, less than, equal to, or greater than.

[0056] A galvanic cell may include a conductive connector that electrically connects the anode and the cathode. The conductive connector may have a different composition from the anode and the cathode. The conductive connection may be a solid material having a homogeneous composition, or it 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 containing Cu and Zn. The conductive connector may include brass. The conductive connector may include brass and substantially contain no other materials. The conductive connector may contain brass in a weight of approximately 50% to 100% by weight, approximately 90% to 100% by weight, or approximately 50%, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98%, or approximately 99, 99.5, 99.9, 99.99%, or approximately 99.999% by weight or more, less than, equal to, or greater than.

[0057] The cathode can have a work function greater than that of the anode. For example, Cu has a work function of approximately 4.53–5.10 eV, Mg has a work function of approximately 3.66 eV, and Al has a work function of approximately 4.06–4.26 eV. Conductive connectors can have a work function between the cathode's work function and the anode's work function.

[0058] The aqueous composition has an electrical conductivity of approximately 100 μS to approximately 1,000,000 μS when a galvanic cell is immersed in the aqueous composition, or approximately 300 μS to approximately 100,000 μS, or approximately 100 μS to approximately 1,200 μS, or approximately 100 μS, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1,000, 1,100, 1,200. It may have any suitable conductivity, such as 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 approximately 1,000,000 μS or more, less than, equal to, or greater than. This method does not require adjustment of the conductivity of the aqueous composition. In some embodiments, this method can be used to set conductivity from approximately 100 μS to approximately 1,000,000 μS, or from approximately 300 μS to approximately 100,000 μS, or from approximately 100 μS to approximately 1,200 μS, or from approximately 100 μS, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1,000, 1,100, 1,200, 1,500, 2,000, 4,000. This may include adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition so that it is maintained at 6,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 150,000, 200,000, 250,000, 500,000, 750,000, or approximately 1,000,000 μS or more, less than, equal to, or greater than. Adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition may include adjusting the rate at which new aqueous composition is introduced into the galvanic cell. Adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition may include adding one or more salts to the aqueous composition. The salts may 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 immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, or in combination thereof. One or more salts added to an aqueous composition to adjust its conductivity may include halogen salts, sodium salts, potassium salts, or combinations thereof. One or more salts added to an aqueous composition to adjust its conductivity may include sodium chloride.

[0059] A galvanic cell can generate an electric current when immersed in an aqueous composition. The amount of current generated by a galvanic cell is approximately 0.001 mA / cm². 2 ~about 10mA / cm 2 Therefore, 0.01 mA / cm 2 ~about 0.5mA mA / cm 2 It is, or approximately 0.001 mA / cm². 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 approximately 10 mA / cm² 2 Greater than, less than, equal to, or greater than mA / cm² 2 This could be any suitable current amount, such as...

[0060] This method does not require any steps to adjust the pH of the treated aqueous composition. In some embodiments, this method may include adjusting the pH of the treated aqueous composition to about 6 to 8, or about 7, or about 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, or about 8 or greater than, less than, equal to, or greater than.

[0061] The method may include immersing one or more galvanic cells in a container containing an aqueous composition to form a solid containing a substance (e.g., precipitate, salt, and / or solidified particles) from the aqueous composition. The method may include filtering the solid from the treated aqueous composition through one or more filters that are at least partially immersed in the aqueous composition in which the galvanic cells are immersed. The filters may include glass frit, textile filters, paper filters, disc filters, rotary filters, drum filters, screens, sieves, particulate filtration media, filtration aids, or combinations thereof. The filter may be a rotary disc filter. Filtration may include forming a filtration cake on the filter, the filtration cake containing a solid containing a substance from the aqueous composition. Filtration may include backwashing the filter to remove the filtration cake from the filter and forming a backwash liquid containing the removed filtration cake. The filter may be backwashed with any suitable water, for example, a portion of the aqueous composition containing the precipitate.

[0062] One or more galvanic cells can be placed in the aqueous composition on the side of the container, and a filter can be placed in the aqueous composition approximately in the center of the container, such that the filter is located between the multiple galvanic cells. The method may include the use of multiple filters. Multiple filters may include multiple rotating disk filters.

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

[0064] In some embodiments, the anode and cathode are in direct contact with each other, and the galvanic cell has no conductive connectors, as the electrodes are in an "electroless" configuration. In an electroless configuration, the sacrificial anode material can be electrochemically plated or deposited on the non-sacrificial cathode material, eliminating the need for conductive connectors to electrically connect the anode and cathode. One advantage of various embodiments of the electroless configuration is that less metallic copper can be used compared to configurations that include conductive connectors, and the electrical drop between the electrodes can be reduced.

[0065] A galvanic cell may have one cathode or more cathodes. A galvanic cell may have one anode or more anodes. A galvanic cell may not include conductive connectors, may include one conductive connector, or may include multiple conductive connectors. A galvanic cell may include multiple conductive connectors, each conductive connector independently electrically connecting the anode and cathode (e.g., in a parallel configuration rather than a series configuration). Multiple conductive connectors may be arranged substantially evenly around the periphery of the galvanic cell. Conductive connectors may include connectors or fasteners such as screws, bolts, nuts, washers, or combinations thereof.

[0066] The galvanic cells may be of any suitable size or configuration such that the surface area of ​​one or more galvanic cells per unit volume of the aqueous composition is sufficient for one or more galvanic cells to exert the desired treatment effect on the aqueous composition during the residence time of the aqueous composition within one or more galvanic cells. The galvanic cells may have any suitable total surface area per galvanic cell, or total anode surface area exposed to the aqueous composition per cell, of about 1 cm². 2 ~Approx. 1,000,000cm 2 It is approximately 5 cm 2 ~About 200,000cm 2 It is approximately 10 cm 2 ~Approx. 50,000cm 2 It is approximately 20 cm 2 ~About 40,000cm 2 is, or about 1 cm 2 The following, or 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 approximately 1,000,000 cm 2Greater than, less than, equal to, or greater than cm 2 A galvanic cell can have any suitable ratio of anode surface area to cathode surface area, such as the ratio of the anode surface area exposed to the aqueous composition to the cathode surface area exposed to the aqueous composition, which can be 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 may be a Cu-Al battery having a Cu surface area larger than the Al surface area. High surface area cathode materials such as Cu nanoparticles, Cu sponge, Cu screen, porous or etched Cu, or combinations thereof can be used (for example, for a Cu cathode having an Al anode). In some embodiments, the anode, cathode, or combination thereof includes a roughened or etched surface 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, 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 any suitable number of galvanic cells greater than, less than, equal to, or greater than 1,000,000 can be used. These cells can be used in series or parallel electrical configurations.

[0067] In a galvanic cell, the distance between the anode surface and the cathode surface (for example, the distance between at least about 50% to 100% of the surface area of ​​the cathode and anode, 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) is about 1 mm to about 110 mm, or about 2 mm to about 3 This may include intervals of 0 mm, or approximately 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 approximately 110 mm or more, less than, equal to, or greater than.

[0068] A galvanic cell may have a planar shape with a thickness less than its height and width. A galvanic cell may include a planar frame and a cathode material provided inside the outer periphery of the frame, the cathode material being electrically connected to the frame (e.g., via direct contact with the frame). The frame may be a component of the galvanic cell. The frame may be structurally sufficient to maintain its shape even if one or all of the anodes are absent. Both the planar frame and the cathode material provided inside the outer periphery of the frame may be cathodes.

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

[0070] A galvanic cell may include multiple 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 pairs, less than, equal to, or more than 20), each pair being joined together using one or more conductive connectors and having a porous cathode material fixed between them, and each pair being separated by one or more anodes that extend across the porous cathode material provided inside the outer periphery of the planar frames. The one or more anodes that separate 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. One or more anodes that separate each pair of planar frames from one another may be in direct contact with one face of each pair of planar frames separated by the anode, but may not be in direct contact with the other face of each pair of planar frames separated by the anode.

[0071] The anode can be a strip-shaped body fastened to the planar frame at two edges of the planar frame, and the anode is fixed to the planar frame at each of the two edges of the planar frame using at least one conductive connector, and the anode extends across the cathode material provided on the inside of the outer periphery of the planar frame, and forms a gap between the cathode material provided on the inside of the outer periphery of the planar frame and the anode strip-shaped body. The anode and cathode can be in direct contact with each other at each edge of the planar frame to which the anode is fixed via at least one conductive connector.

[0072] A galvanic cell may include multiple anodes, each anode being a strip fastened to a planar frame at two edges of the planar frame on the frame's surface, each anode being fixed to the planar frame using at least one conductive connector at each of the two edges of the planar frame, each of the multiple anodes extending across a cathode material provided inside the outer periphery of the planar frame and forming a gap between the cathode material and the anode strip, with the entire surfaces of the multiple anodes spaced apart so as not to physically contact each other. Each of the multiple anodes may extend across cathode material provided inside the outer periphery of the planar frame that are substantially parallel to each other on the surface of the planar frame, and an anode on another surface of the planar frame may be parallel or perpendicular to the anode on the first surface. The two edges of the planar frame to which each anode is fixed may be opposing edges of the planar frame. A galvanic cell may have all of its anodes on a single principal surface of a planar frame, or some of its anodes may be on one principal surface of the planar frame and the other anodes on another principal surface of the frame.

[0073] Figure 1A shows a galvanic cell 110 viewed from the main surface according to various embodiments. The galvanic cell 110 includes a cathode, which comprises a planar frame 120 of the galvanic cell having a polygonal outer periphery, and a porous material 130, which is a wire mesh or wire screen, provided inside the outer periphery of the frame and in direct contact with the frame. The galvanic cell 110 includes a plurality of anodes 140, each anode being a strip fastened to the planar frame at two opposing edges of the planar frame on the surface of the planar frame. Each anode is fixed to the planar frame using at least one conductive connector 150 at each of the two edges of the planar frame such that each anode is substantially parallel to one another, extends across the porous material provided inside the outer periphery of the planar frame, and forms a gap (not shown) between the porous material provided inside the outer periphery of the planar frame and the anode strip. Each anode is in direct contact with the cathode frame at each of the edges of the planar frame, where the anode is fixed to the planar frame via at least one conductive connector. A porous material 130 can also be fixed between them using conductive connectors (not shown) that pass only through the planar frame 120. Multiple anodes are spaced apart with a gap between them (not shown) so that they do not physically contact each other, with the gap being approximately 1 mm to 110 mm.

[0074] Figure 1B shows an enlarged cross-sectional end view of a galvanic cell 110, viewed along the viewpoint shown on the right side of Figure 1A. A galvanic cell may include a plurality of pairs of planar frames 120, each pair joined together using one or more conductive connectors (not shown) and fixing a porous cathode material 130 between them. Anodes 140 extend across the porous cathode material 130 provided inside the outer 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 Figure 1B). One or more anodes 140 separating each pair of planar frames from one another are in direct contact with the faces of each pair of planar frames 120 that are thus separated.

[0075] This method may include adding an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide to the aqueous composition. Any suitable amount of an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, may be present in or added to the aqueous composition, such as 0.1 ppm to 1000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide (i.e., at the concentration measured in the aqueous composition), 1 ppm to 500 ppm, 1 ppm to 200 ppm, or 1000 ppm or less and 0.1 ppm or more, 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 contain or be a porous material such as a wire mesh or screen. The cathode may have a planar shape. The anode may include a planar non-porous material such as a rod, plate, or strip. A galvanic cell may have one cathode or two or more cathodes. A galvanic cell may have one and one or fewer cathodes. A galvanic cell may have two and two or fewer cathodes. A galvanic cell may have one and one or fewer anodes.

[0077] The cathode can be attached to the anode via at least one conductive connector. The conductive connector may be any conductive connector described herein, such as a weld, fastener, screw fastener, or a combination thereof. The conductive connector may include screws, bolts, brackets, nuts, washers, or a combination thereof. The conductive connector may be a fastening assembly. The conductive connector may maintain a gap between the cathode and the anode. This gap may be approximately 1 mm to approximately 110 mm, or approximately 2 mm to approximately 30 mm, or approximately 110 mm or less, and approximately 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 approximately 105 mm or less. This gap may be substantially uniform throughout the galvanic cell. The galvanic cell may not have direct contact between the anode and one or more cathodes fixed 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 that have a similar physical form (e.g., bolts, nuts, and / or washers) but are formed from a non-conductive material such as plastic, in which case another suitable electrical connection from anode to cathode can be made, for example, via a potentiostat or wire.

[0078] A galvanic cell may include an anode, which comprises a planar nonporous material. A galvanic cell may also include a cathode, which comprises a wire mesh. The cathode may be positioned parallel to the main surface of the planar nonporous material of the anode such that a gap is formed between the cathode and the main surface of the planar nonporous material of the anode. A galvanic cell may also include at least one conductive connector connecting the cathode to the anode, the conductive connector maintaining the gap between the cathode and the main surface of the planar nonporous material at the anode.

[0079] A galvanic cell may include a single anode (e.g., not more than one anode), the anode comprising a planar nonporous material. A galvanic cell may include two cathodes, each cathode comprising a wire mesh. The two cathodes may be positioned parallel to the two opposing principal surfaces of the planar nonporous material of the anode so as to form a gap between them. A galvanic cell may include at least one conductive connector connecting the cathodes to the anode, the conductive connector maintaining the gap between the cathodes and the principal surfaces of the planar nonporous material at the anode.

[0080] A galvanic cell may include a single anode, the anode containing Mg, and the anode containing a planar nonporous material. A galvanic cell may include two cathodes, the cathodes containing Cu, and each cathode containing a wire mesh. The two cathodes may be positioned parallel to the two opposing principal surfaces of the planar nonporous material of the anode so that they form a gap between them. A galvanic cell may also include at least one conductive connector connecting the cathodes to the anode, the conductive connector maintaining the gap between the cathodes and the principal surfaces of the planar nonporous material at the anode.

[0081] A galvanic cell may include a single anode, the anode containing Al, and the anode containing a planar nonporous material. A galvanic cell may include two cathodes, the cathodes containing Cu, and each cathode containing a wire mesh. The two cathodes may be positioned parallel to the two opposing principal surfaces of the planar nonporous material of the anode so that they form a gap between them. A galvanic cell may also include at least one conductive connector connecting the cathodes to the anode, the conductive connector maintaining the gap between the cathodes and the principal surfaces of the planar nonporous material at the anode.

[0082] Figure 2 shows side views of a galvanic cell 200 according to various embodiments. The galvanic cell includes a planar, non-porous anode 210, and a wire mesh cathode 220 is attached to the anode in a parallel configuration via a conductive connector 230 to maintain a gap between the cathode and the main surface at the anode. The anode may be an aluminum plate. The cathode may be a copper wire mesh. The conductive connector may be a brass fastening assembly such as a bolt, nut, and washer.

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

[0084] Figure 4 shows side and main top views of a galvanic cell 200 according to various embodiments. The galvanic cell includes a planar, non-porous anode 210, and a wire mesh cathode 220 is attached to the anode in a parallel configuration via a conductive connector 230. The galvanic cell includes a hole 240 that penetrates the galvanic cell.

[0085] This method may involve immersing multiple galvanic cells in an aqueous composition. Each of the multiple galvanic cells may 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 other alloy steels). In some embodiments, the conductive material may be coated with a non-conductive material such as a non-conductive paint (e.g., epoxy paint) or wrapped in a non-conductive material such as a plastic tube or pipe. The structural connectors may include carbon steel rods coated with epoxy paint. The galvanic cells may be detachably attached to one or more structural connectors. Each galvanic cell may be suspended from one or more structural connectors.

[0086] In various embodiments, a galvanic cell may include one or more holes through it, and one or more structural connectors may be attached to the galvanic cell through one or more holes within each galvanic cell.

[0087] A galvanic cell may include immersing multiple galvanic cells in an aqueous composition, with each galvanic cell being attached to one or more structural connectors. Each galvanic cell may include a single anode, the anode comprising Mg, Al, or a combination thereof, and the anode comprising a planar nonporous material. Each galvanic cell may include two cathodes, the cathodes comprising Cu, each cathode comprising a wire mesh, and the two cathodes being positioned parallel to the two opposing main surfaces of the planar nonporous material of the anode so as to form a gap between them. Each galvanic cell may include at least one conductive connector connecting the cathodes to the anode, the conductive connector maintaining the gap between the cathodes and the main surfaces of the planar nonporous material at the anode.

[0088] Figure 5 shows side views of multiple galvanic cells 500 according to various embodiments. Figure 5 shows a total of 11 galvanic cells, each including a planar non-porous anode and two wire mesh cathodes mounted on either side of the anode in a parallel configuration via three conductive connectors that maintain a gap between the cathode and the anode. Multiple galvanic cells include support rods 510 that pass through the holes of each cell. Multiple galvanic cells can be fixed by the support rods and suspended from the support rods.

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

[0090] The terms and expressions used are used descriptively, not restrictively, and in the use of such terms and expressions, there is no intention to exclude any equivalents of the features or parts thereof shown or described; however, it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, although the present invention is specifically disclosed by certain embodiments and optional features, it should be understood that modifications and variations of the concepts disclosed herein are reclassifiable 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] Examples. Various embodiments of the present invention can be better understood by referring to the following examples provided as illustrations. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0092] The embodiments described in PCT / US2020 / 037405 and PCT / US2020 / 037407 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Part I: A galvanic cell having a copper frame / mesh cathode with an aluminum strip anode.

[0093] Unless otherwise specified, the miniature batteries used in this part of the embodiment, having a copper cathode and an aluminum anode, had a final size of 5cm x 20cm and a thickness of approximately 4mm, using copper mesh and anodes, each approximately 1mm thick. The aluminum anode was 99.9% by weight pure aluminum (6061 aluminum alloy). The copper used for the copper frame and copper mesh was 99.9% by weight pure copper. The miniature battery contained a pair of copper meshes with the anode sandwiched in between, and the copper mesh and anode were separated from the copper mesh by only 0.5cm using electrically insulating plastic screws. The copper meshes were electrically connected to each other via copper wire. The anode and cathode were not electrically connected to each other (except through a multimeter and ambient water). The resulting surface area of ​​the sacrificial anode exposed to water was approximately 400mm² per battery. 2 That was the case.

[0094] Example 1: Effect of relative surface area of ​​electrodes. Laboratory experiments using a small Al-Cu galvanic cell showed that increasing the Al surface area while keeping the Cu electrode surface area constant did not cause a significant change in the current circulating within the cell. However, increasing the Cu electrode surface area while keeping the Al electrode surface area constant increased the current within the cell. A side view of the cell used is shown in Figure 8.

[0095] These results suggest that the reactions on the copper surface are initiators of the entire chemical process occurring within the cell (for example, these reactions are rate-limiting steps in the entire process). Therefore, this result is of great practical importance because designs with Cu nanoparticles or Cu sponge electrodes, copper screening or other high-surface-area forms of copper can increase the amount of aluminum ions produced (or increase the current) for the same potential difference (voltage) in a galvanic cell.

[0096] Figure 9A shows plots of current versus time for four different Al-Cu galvanic cells having one Cu screen, two Cu screens, three Cu screens, and four Cu screens. Figure 9B shows the milligrams of aluminum ions generated per unit time, calculated from the current in the graphs in Figure 9A. The results demonstrate that increasing the surface area of ​​the Cu electrodes increases the current in the galvanic cell and, therefore, the amount of aluminum ions generated per unit time.

[0097] Example 2: Effect of air agitation. Laboratory and pilot-scale (50 GPM) data for small Al-Cu galvanic cells showed that air agitation caused 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, increased the current by 20–30%, and therefore increased the amount of aluminum ions released from the solution. Figure 10 shows a current vs. conductivity plot, showing that the current increased with the use of air agitation at the same conductivity.

[0098] Example 3: The textile industry. In the textile industry, it has been reported that colorants are removed when Al and Fe electrodes are used in electrolytic electrocoagulation systems. 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 one-tenth or less). Experiments conducted in the inventors' laboratory verified that treatment with Al-Cu galvanic cells is highly effective in removing dye molecules such as azo dyes, including methyl orange and 2-naphthol orange (i.e., orange II or acid orange 7). In addition, subjecting water samples from textile processing plants to galvanic treatment with Al-Cu cells resulted in a decrease in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and turbidity.

[0099] The azo dye compound Orange II is widely used in the textile industry. Various wastewaters from the textile industry contain residual levels of this compound at concentrations higher than permitted by environmental regulations. The following experimental work demonstrates the removal of Orange II dye from water using a galvanic Al-Cu battery.

[0100] A solution containing 12 ppm Orange II and 1 g / L NaCl was prepared in the laboratory to demonstrate the removal efficiency of Al-Cu galvanic cells. Figure 11 shows the ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectrum recorded over time in this solution while in contact with a small galvanic Al-Cu cell. The galvanic cell was not completely immersed in the dye-containing solution. The surface area 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 The solution was filtered through a 0.45 μm filter before each spectroscopic measurement.

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

[0102] The galvanic process for removing soluble dyes represents a significant improvement over conventional removal processes for Orange II dyes, as adsorption occurs on hydrolyzed aluminum particles in the suspension and not on the surface of the aluminum plate. This eliminates the need for in-situ washing or removal and regeneration of adsorbed material, as used in conventional processes. Based on the measured galvanic current, the amount of aluminum produced was estimated to be 5–6 ppm, which is sufficient to remove 80% of the initial Orange II dye concentration. This indicates less aluminum consumption compared to coagulations produced, for example, by chemical addition of aluminum salts or through electrolytic coagulation processes.

[0103] Example 4: Reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD). Table 1 shows the effect of galvanic processing on the chemical oxygen demand of various aqueous compositions. Air was passed through the compositions to create bubbles during the galvanic processing.

[0104] [Table 1]

[0105] Small Al / Cu cells were used in all aqueous compositions except for the treatment plant wastewater treated with the following galvanic cells: Each cell contained a copper cathode and an aluminum anode, with a final size of 10cm x 160cm and a thickness of approximately 6mm, and used copper mesh. The aluminum anode was made of 6061 aluminum alloy. The copper mesh was 99.9% pure copper. Each cell contained a pair of copper mesh with the anode sandwiched in between, and the copper mesh and anode were separated by only 0.5cm from the copper mesh using brass screws. A total of 192 cells were used. The resulting surface area of ​​the sacrificial anode exposed to water was approximately 3200cm² per cell. 2 That was the case.

[0106] Example 5: Removal of silica from water. Although silica in its various forms is not harmful to animal or human life, some industrial processes require its removal. For example, the accumulation of dissolved colloidal silica scale in cooling and evaporating towers is a major problem due to silica fouling, which results in high maintenance costs, treated water discharge, the use of fouling-preventing chemical additives, and downtime. In processes using reverse osmosis, such as freshwater or drinking water treatment processes, silica adhesion to reverse osmosis membranes requires expensive chemical treatment and shortens the membrane's lifespan. Galvanic cells are an economical and efficient method for removing silica from water. Table 2 shows silica removal from synthetic water using a galvanic process with a small Al / Cu cell. Synthetic water was formed by adding 5 g of NaCl and varying 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 in turbidity of oil / water emulsion. Table 3 shows the reduction in turbidity of a synthetic oil / water emulsion using a galvanic process with a small Al / Cu battery. A synthetic oil / water emulsion was formed by combining 1 mL of a 1:1 mixture (wt) of cutting oil and automotive engine oil 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 the turbidity test. The unit used for turbidity in Table 3 is turbidimetric turbidity unit (NTU). Turbidity was measured using a single detector at a 90-degree angle to the incident beam.

[0109] [Table 3]

[0110] Part II: A galvanic cell having an aluminum strip anode and a copper mesh cathode. The aluminum anode was a 6061 aluminum alloy consisting of 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] The experiment was conducted using Lake Okeechobee as the raw water source 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. Like many other lakes, it is highly polluted with excess nutrients.

[0112] Two electrodes and Autolab Potentiostat / Galvanostat The study was conducted using linear voltammetry with Model PGSTAT302N. This galvanic cell has the same physical form and configuration as the galvanic cell shown in Figures 2-4, except that plastic bolts, plastic nuts, and plastic washers were used to secure the cathode to the anode instead of conductive connectors. The galvanic cell has two copper mesh screens acting as cathodes and has dimensions of 1.8 cm × 1.1 cm × 0.5 cm, with a surface area of ​​approximately 2 cm² for each main surface. 2The galvanic cell contained an anode which was a solid aluminum rod. The copper mesh screen was secured to the aluminum rod in two positions using plastic bolts, plastic nuts, and plastic washers so that the copper mesh screen was parallel to the main surface of the anode and a gap of 3 mm was maintained between the copper mesh screen and the main surface of the anode. In this part of the embodiment, a batch process was carried out and the water was not stirred, and the water used was Lake Okeechoby water from the S-191 canal with a conductivity of approximately 400 μS. In this part of the embodiment, one of these galvanic cells was tested. In this part of the embodiment, a non-conductive plastic connector assembly was used instead of the conductive connector described herein by using 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] Linear voltammetry uses two electrodes and follows (1) an applied potential difference in the opposite direction to the potential generated by the galvanic cell, and (2) a sequential scan of the current circulating between the two electrodes. When the applied potential is 0, the recorded current corresponds to the natural or intrinsic current of the galvanic cell under study conditions, where an increase in the potential difference within the cell causes a decrease in the circulating current. By increasing the external electrical resistance, the current takes a value of 0 from a 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 galvanic cells in water with varying amounts of hydrogen peroxide added. In Figure 13, it is observed that when the potential difference applied across the electrodes is 0, the current increases linearly with the addition of hydrogen peroxide. It is also observed that the offset or displacement of the 0-current operating potential of the galvanic cell shifts toward a more positive potential. The initial addition of hydrogen peroxide results in an offset or displacement of approximately 0.2 V compared to the same measurement in the absence of hydrogen peroxide. Further addition of hydrogen peroxide results in an even larger offset or displacement toward a more positive potential. 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 cathode reaction is the reduction of this compound, not the decomposition of water that occurs in the absence of hydrogen peroxide. The higher oxidation potential of hydrogen peroxide relative to water justifies the positive potential displacement. In all curves, two regions with different current-to-potential gradients can be identified. The gradient at low currents is determined by the electrical resistance of water between the two electrodes, while the other gradient at high currents is determined by the reaction rate within or on the surface of the electrodes, particularly the cathode reaction. Increasing the amount of hydrogen peroxide added expands the region related to the water resistance. When the rate-determining reaction in the current-to-potential relationship is determined by the resistance of the solution between the electrodes, the addition of hydrogen peroxide does not cause a change in the current of the galvanic cell at a constant conductivity. Conversely, when the rate-determining step is the reduction of hydrogen peroxide by the cathode, the addition or increase in the amount of hydrogen peroxide in the solution leads to 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 the solution can be calculated from the current circulating within the galvanic cell. Figure 14 shows the amount of aluminum ions produced per square foot of electrode surface area in the anode reaction of the galvanic cell for various amounts of added hydrogen peroxide. Figure 14 shows the flow rate of aluminum ions produced per unit area, calculated from the maximum current value in Figure 13, as hydrogen peroxide is added. The slope obtained by conventional linear regression (a positive value of 1.62) indicates the flow of aluminum ions produced by surface units for each addition of 1 ppm of hydrogen peroxide. This relationship allows for complete control of the concentration of aluminum ions in the solution by controlling the addition of hydrogen peroxide.

[0116] Figure 15 shows various amounts of OCl. - Alternatively, the current in a galvanic cell with H2O2 added is shown. Figure 15 shows a comparison of the currents obtained in a galvanic cell when an equal amount of hypochlorite and an equally strong oxidizing agent are substituted for hydrogen peroxide. Theoretically, depending on the molar concentration of the compound, H2O2 and OCl - The relationship between the slope of the graph obtained for the addition of OCl and the number of electrons moved should be up to approximately 3, but the experimental value obtained for hydrogen peroxide is 5.75. The experiments performed show that the ratio of the value calculated from the current measured in the galvanic cell to the concentration of aluminum ions in the solution when the amount of hydrogen peroxide added is changed shows 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 OCl - The same measurements performed using the same method indicate that, in addition to its consumption via the galvanic process, further consumption occurs through direct corrosion of the aluminum electrode and reaction with organic matter present in natural water. This is evident from the difference between the gradient values ​​obtained in the regression analysis of the reaction products of these two compounds. OCl with additional competing reactions -Compared to using compounds, the kinetic preference for cathode reduction of hydrogen peroxide due to its direct primary relationship with hydrogen peroxide allows for control of the reaction rate and the generation of aluminum ions in solution using a galvanic process.

[0117] The addition of hydrogen peroxide is advantageous for the oxidation-sterilization process, both through direct reaction and the generation of OH radicals on the surface of the copper electrode. Exemplary embodiment.

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

[0119] Embodiment 2 provides the method according to Embodiment 1, wherein the galvanic cell operates as a galvanic cell. Embodiment 3 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 2, which includes not applying an external potential between the anode and cathode of the galvanic cell.

[0120] Embodiment 4 provides a method according to 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 according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the potential between the anode and cathode is equal to the galvanic corrosion potential of the galvanic cell.

[0121] Embodiment 6 removes or reduces emulsions in an aqueous composition, coagulates and / or precipitates suspended solids from an aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more organic compounds in an aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more inorganic compounds in an aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more dyes and / or inks in an aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more metals in an aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more heavy metals, removes or reduces the concentration of one or more toxic compounds and / or substances in an aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of fluorides in an aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of sulfides in an aqueous composition, removes or reduces the concentration of arsenic in an aqueous composition, reduces the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of an aqueous composition, reduces the turbidity of an aqueous composition, or removes silica (e.g., SiO3) from an aqueous composition. 2- The present invention provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, which involves removing or reducing the concentration of SiO3 in an aqueous composition, or a combination thereof. For example, the present invention provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, which involves removing or reducing the concentration of SiO3 in an aqueous composition. 2- The concentration can be reduced to 1% to 100%, or 20% to 90%, or 30% to 80%, or 40% to 70%, or 100% or less, and to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.9%, or 99.99% or more.

[0122] Embodiment 7 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the aqueous composition includes wastewater and / or wasteliquid from food processing, landfill, laundry processes (e.g., detergent wastewater), industrial pulp or paper processes, industrial mining processes, industrial textile processes, metal processing processes, metal polishing processes, metalworking processes, industrial processes in the tanning industry, petroleum industry processes, marine wastewater, or a combination thereof.

[0123] Embodiment 8 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the aqueous composition comprises water taken 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 for removing or reducing emulsion in an aqueous composition. 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, a water / oil emulsion, and / or a latex emulsion than the aqueous composition.

[0125] Embodiment 11 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10 for coagulating and / or precipitating a suspended solid from an aqueous composition. Embodiment 12 provides the method according to Embodiment 11, wherein the aqueous composition contains suspended solid particles, and the treated aqueous composition has a lower concentration of suspended solid particles than the aqueous composition.

[0126] Embodiment 13 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 11 to 12, further comprising removing solidified material and / or precipitate from the treated aqueous composition. Embodiment 14 provides the method of Embodiment 13, wherein removal includes decantation, sedimentation, filtration, or a combination thereof.

[0127] Embodiment 15 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14 for removing one or more organic compounds from an aqueous composition or reducing their concentration. Embodiment 16 provides the method according to Embodiment 15, wherein the treated aqueous composition has one or more organic compounds at a lower concentration than the aqueous composition.

[0128] Embodiment 17 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 16, which involves chemically converting an organic compound, decomposing an organic compound, oxidizing an organic compound, reducing an organic compound, precipitating an organic compound, coagulating an organic compound, reacting an organic compound with oxygen, reacting an organic compound with chlorine, reacting an organic compound with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0129] Embodiment 18 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 17 for removing one or more inorganic compounds from an aqueous composition or reducing their concentration. Embodiment 19 provides the method according to Embodiment 18, wherein the treated aqueous composition has one or more inorganic compounds at a lower concentration than the aqueous composition.

[0130] Embodiment 20 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 18 to 19, which involves chemically converting an inorganic compound, decomposing an inorganic compound, oxidizing an inorganic compound, reducing an inorganic compound, precipitating an inorganic compound, coagulating an inorganic compound, reacting an inorganic compound with oxygen, reacting an inorganic compound with chlorine, reacting an inorganic compound with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0131] Embodiment 21 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 20 for removing one or more dyes and / or inks from an aqueous composition or reducing their concentration. Embodiment 22 provides the method of Embodiment 21, wherein the treated aqueous composition has one or more dyes and / or inks at a lower concentration than the aqueous composition.

[0132] Embodiment 23 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 21 to 22, which is a method of 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 for removing one or more metals from an aqueous composition or reducing their concentration. Embodiment 25 provides the method of Embodiment 24, wherein the treated aqueous composition has one or more metals at a lower concentration than the aqueous composition.

[0134] Embodiment 26 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 24 to 25, which involves 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, solidifying 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 for removing one or more heavy metals or reducing their concentration. Embodiment 28 provides the method of Embodiment 27, wherein the treated aqueous composition has one or more heavy metals at a lower concentration than the aqueous composition.

[0136] Embodiment 29 involves chemically converting one or more heavy metals, decomposing one or more heavy metals, oxidizing one or more heavy metals, reducing one or more heavy metals, precipitating one or more heavy metals, coagulating one or more heavy metals, reacting one or more heavy metals with oxygen, reacting one or more heavy metals with chlorine, reacting one or more heavy metals with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof. The method according to any one of Embodiments 27 to 28 is provided.

[0137] Embodiment 30 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 29 for removing one or more toxic compounds and / or substances from an aqueous composition or reducing their concentration. Embodiment 31 provides the method according to Embodiment 30, wherein the treated aqueous composition has one or more toxic compounds and / or substances at a lower concentration than the aqueous composition.

[0138] Embodiment 32 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 30 to 31, which involves 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 for removing or reducing the concentration of fluoride, sulfide, arsenic, or a combination thereof in an aqueous composition.

[0140] Embodiment 34 provides the method according to 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 to 34, which involves 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] Embodiment 36 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 35 for reducing the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of an aqueous composition. For example, this method can reduce the COD of an aqueous composition to 1% to 100%, or 1% to 99%, or 3% to 95%, or 5% to 85%, or 100% or less, and to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 82%, 84%, 86%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.9%, or 99.99% or more.

[0142] Embodiment 37 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 36 for reducing the turbidity of an aqueous composition. For example, this 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 100% or less, 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 a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 37, wherein immersion of a galvanic cell in an aqueous composition forms a salt comprising a substance from the aqueous composition and a substance from the anode.

[0144] Embodiment 39 provides the method according to Embodiment 38, wherein the salt comprises a hydroxide salt. Embodiment 40 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 38 to 39, further comprising removing salt from the treated aqueous composition.

[0145] Embodiment 41 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 40, further comprising the aqueous composition comprising a dissolved transition metal, post-transition metal, metalloid, or combination thereof, and forming a hydroxide salt containing the transition metal, post-transition metal, or metalloid while immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition.

[0146] Embodiment 42 provides the method according to Embodiment 41, further comprising removing salt from the treated aqueous composition. Embodiment 43 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 41 to 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 a method according to 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 involves immersing a galvanic cell in an aqueous composition while H2 and HO are present at the anode. -The present invention provides a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 44, which includes forming a [unclear].

[0149] Embodiment 46 involves immersing a galvanic cell in an aqueous composition while H2 and HO are present in the cathode. - The present invention provides a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45, which includes forming a [unclear].

[0150] Embodiment 47 involves immersing a galvanic cell in an aqueous composition while H2O2 and HO2 are present in the cathode. - The present invention provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 46, which includes forming a combination thereof.

[0151] Embodiment 48 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 47, further comprising adding an acid, a base, or a combination thereof to an 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, while immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, after immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, or a combination thereof.

[0153] Embodiment 50 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 49, further comprising recirculating the aqueous composition to bring the aqueous composition into contact with the galvanic cell multiple times. Embodiment 51 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 50, wherein the immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition includes partial immersion.

[0154] Embodiment 52 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 51, wherein the immersion of the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition includes complete immersion. Embodiment 53 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 52, which includes immersing a plurality of galvanic cells in an aqueous composition.

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

[0156] Embodiment 56 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 55, wherein the cathode contains Cu. Embodiment 57 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 56, wherein the cathode is substantially free of substances other than Cu.

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

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

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

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

[0161] Embodiment 66 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 65, wherein the anode comprises an alloy containing Mg and Al. Embodiment 67 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 66, wherein Mg and Al are present in an amount of about 50% to about 100% by weight of the anode.

[0162] Embodiment 68 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 67, wherein the anode is substantially free of substances other than Mg, Mg alloys, and Al. Embodiment 69 provides a method according to 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 according to Embodiment 69, wherein Ag, Pt, Au, or a combination thereof is present in an amount of about 0.0001% to about 20% by weight of the anode. Embodiment 71 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 69 to 70, wherein Ag, Pt, Au, or a combination thereof is present in an amount of about 0.0001% to about 5% by weight of the anode.

[0164] Embodiment 72 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 71, wherein the anode contains Mg. Embodiment 73 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 72, wherein the anode is substantially free of any substance other than Mg or its alloys.

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

[0166] Embodiment 76 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 75, wherein the anode and cathode of the galvanic cell are in direct contact with each other. Embodiment 77 provides a method according to 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 a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 77, wherein the galvanic cell further comprises a conductive connector that electrically connects the anode and cathode, and the conductive connector includes Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Ni, Sn, Pb, or a combination thereof.

[0168] Embodiment 79 provides the method according to Embodiment 78, wherein the conductive connector has a work function between the work function of the anode and the work function of the cathode. Embodiment 80 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 78 to 79, wherein the conductive connector includes Cu.

[0169] Embodiment 81 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 78 to 80, wherein the conductive connector contains Zn. Embodiment 82 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 78 to 81, wherein the conductive connector comprises an alloy containing Cu and Zn.

[0170] Embodiment 83 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 78 to 82, wherein the conductive connector includes brass. Embodiment 84 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 78 to 83, wherein the conductive connector includes brass and the conductive connector is substantially free of other materials.

[0171] Embodiment 85 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 78 to 84, wherein the galvanic cell comprises a plurality of conductive connectors, each conductive connector independently electrically connecting the anode and the cathode.

[0172] Embodiment 86 provides the method of Embodiment 85, wherein a plurality of conductive connectors are arranged substantially evenly around the outer periphery of the galvanic cell. Embodiment 87 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 78 to 86, wherein the conductive connector comprises a screw, bolt, nut, washer, or a combination thereof.

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

[0174] Embodiment 90 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 89, wherein the galvanic cell comprises multiple anodes. Embodiment 91 provides a method according to 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 about 0.001 to about 10.

[0175] Embodiment 92 provides a method according to 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 about 0.01 to about 1. Embodiment 93 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 92, wherein the cathode includes a rough or etched surface.

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

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

[0178] Embodiment 96 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 95, further comprising adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition so that the conductivity is approximately 100 μS to approximately 1,200 μS.

[0179] Embodiment 97 provides the method of Embodiment 96, wherein adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition adjusts the rate at which the new aqueous composition is introduced into the galvanic cell. Embodiment 98 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 96 to 97, wherein adjusting the conductivity of the aqueous composition involves 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, while immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, after immersing the galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, or a combination thereof.

[0181] Embodiment 100 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 98 to 99, wherein one or more salts added to the aqueous composition to adjust the conductivity of the aqueous composition include halogen salts, sodium salts, potassium salts, or combinations thereof.

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

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

[0184] Embodiment 104 provides a method according to 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 includes bubbling air through the aqueous composition.

[0185] Embodiment 106 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 104 to 105, wherein shearing is sufficient to remove at least several bubbles containing H2 from the surface of the anode, cathode, or a combination thereof.

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

[0187] Embodiment 108 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 104 to 107, wherein the shear is sufficient to at least partially prevent the aggregation of one or more materials on the surface of the anode and / or cathode.

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

[0189] Embodiment 111 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 110, wherein the cathode comprises a planar frame of a galvanic cell and a cathode material provided inside the outer periphery of the frame, and the cathode material is electrically connected to the frame.

[0190] Embodiment 112 provides the method according to Embodiment 111, wherein the frame is a component of a galvanic cell, the frame contains cathode material, and the frame is structurally sufficient to maintain its shape even if one or all of the anodes are absent.

[0191] Embodiment 113 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 111 to 112, wherein the planar frame is made of a non-porous solid material. Embodiment 114 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 111 to 113, wherein the planar frame is one or more strip-shaped bodies of cathode material.

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

[0193] Embodiment 117 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 111 to 116, wherein the cathode material provided on the inside of the outer periphery of the planar frame includes a porous cathode material.

[0194] Embodiment 118 provides the method according to Embodiment 117, wherein the porous cathode material includes wires, meshes, screens, sheets with one or more through-holes, or a combination thereof.

[0195] Embodiment 119 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 117 to 118, wherein the porous cathode material includes a wire mesh or wire screen containing 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 for electrically connecting the anode and cathode, the conductive connector comprising Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Ni, Sn, Pb, or a combination thereof, and a porous cathode material provided inside the outer periphery of a planar frame having an edge sandwiched between two planar frames, the two planar frames being joined together using one or more conductive connectors and fixing the porous cathode material between them.

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

[0198] Embodiment 122 provides the method of Embodiment 121, wherein one or more anodes separating each pair of planar frames from one another are in direct contact with the faces of each pair of planar frames being separated.

[0199] Embodiment 123 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 121 to 122, wherein one or more anodes separating each pair of planar frames from one another are in direct contact with one face of each pair of planar frames being separated, but not in direct contact with the other face of each pair of planar frames being separated.

[0200] Embodiment 124 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 117 to 123, wherein the galvanic cell further comprises a conductive connector for electrically connecting an anode and a 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, the anode extending across a cathode material provided inside the outer periphery of the planar frame, and forming a gap between the cathode material provided inside the outer 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 for electrically connecting an anode and a cathode, the conductive connector comprising Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Ni, Sn, Pb, or a combination thereof, the galvanic cell comprising a plurality of anodes, each anode being a strip fastened to the planar frame at two edges of the planar frame on the surface of the frame, each 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, each anode extending across a cathode material provided inside the outer periphery of the planar frame, forming a gap between the cathode material provided inside the outer periphery of the planar frame and the anode strip, and the entire surfaces of the plurality of anodes being spaced apart so as not to physically contact each other.

[0203] Embodiment 127 provides the method of Embodiment 126, wherein each anode extends across a cathode material provided inside the outer periphery of a planar frame substantially parallel to each other on a plane.

[0204] Embodiment 128 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 126 to 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 a method according to any one of embodiments 126 to 128, wherein all anodes are located on a single main surface of a planar frame. Embodiment 130 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 126 to 129, wherein some anodes are located on one main surface of the planar frame and other anodes are located on another main surface of the frame.

[0206] Embodiment 131 is a galvanic cell in which the cathode comprises a planar frame of the galvanic cell having a polygonal outer periphery, and a porous material provided inside the outer periphery of the frame, which is a wire mesh or wire screen in direct contact with the frame, and a plurality of anodes, each anode being a strip-shaped body fastened to the planar frame at two opposing edges of the planar frame on the surface 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, and as a result each anode is relatively close to each other. The present invention provides a method according to any one of embodiments 126 to 130, comprising a plurality of anodes, which are nearly parallel and extend across a porous material provided on the inner periphery of a planar frame, forming a gap between the porous material provided on the inner periphery of the planar frame and the anode strip, with each anode in direct contact with the cathode frame at each edge of the planar frame where the anodes are fixed to the planar frame via at least one conductive connector, and the plurality of anodes are spaced apart across the entire surface of the planar frame so as not to physically contact each other, with the gap being approximately 1 mm to approximately 110 mm.

[0207] Embodiment 132 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 131, further comprising adding hydrogen peroxide to the aqueous composition. Embodiment 133 provides the method according to Embodiment 132, which includes adding 0.1 ppm to 1000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide to an aqueous composition.

[0208] Embodiment 134 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 132 to 133, which includes adding 1 ppm to 500 ppm of hydrogen peroxide to an aqueous composition. Embodiment 135 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 132 to 134, comprising adding 1 ppm to 200 ppm of hydrogen peroxide to an aqueous composition.

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

[0210] Embodiment 138 provides the method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 137, wherein the galvanic cell has two or fewer cathodes. Embodiment 139 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 138, wherein the cathode includes a wire mesh.

[0211] Embodiment 140 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 139, wherein the anode includes a planar nonporous form. Embodiment 141 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 140, wherein the anode includes a strip-shaped body.

[0212] Embodiment 142 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 141, wherein the galvanic cell includes one or fewer anodes. Embodiment 143 provides a method according to 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 according to Embodiment 143, wherein the conductive connector includes a weld, a fastener, a screw fastener, or a combination thereof. Embodiment 145 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 143 to 144, wherein the conductive connector comprises a screw, bolt, bracket, nut, washer, or a combination thereof.

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

[0215] Embodiment 147 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 146, wherein the galvanic cell includes an anode comprising a planar nonporous body, a cathode comprising a wire mesh, the cathode being positioned parallel to the main surface of the planar nonporous body of the anode such that a gap is formed between the main 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 main 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 including a planar nonporous body, two cathodes, each cathode including a wire mesh, and the two cathodes are positioned on opposite main surfaces of the planar nonporous body of the anode so as to form a gap between them, and at least one conductive connector connecting the cathodes to the anode and maintaining a gap between the cathodes and the main surfaces of the planar nonporous body at the anode.

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

[0218] Embodiment 151 provides the method according to Embodiment 150, wherein the structural connector includes rods, pipes, beams, hangers, brackets, hooks, or combinations thereof. Embodiment 152 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 150 to 151, wherein the structural connector contains a non-conductive material, is coated with a non-conductive material, or contains a conductive material encased in a non-conductive material.

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

[0220] Embodiment 155 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 150 to 154, wherein each galvanic cell is suspended from one or more structural connectors. Embodiment 156 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 150 to 155, wherein the galvanic cell has one or more holes that penetrate the galvanic cell, and one or more structural connectors are attached to the galvanic cell through one or more holes in each galvanic cell.

[0221] Embodiment 157 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 156, wherein the galvanic cell comprises a single anode containing Mg and a planar nonporous body; two cathodes, each cathode containing Cu and each cathode containing a wire mesh, and the two cathodes are arranged parallel to the two opposing main surfaces of the planar nonporous body of the anode so as to form a gap between them; and at least one conductive connector connecting the cathodes to the anode and maintaining a gap between the cathodes and the main surfaces of the planar nonporous body at the anode.

[0222] Embodiment 158 ​​provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 156, wherein the galvanic cell comprises a single anode comprising a planar nonporous body comprising Al, two cathodes wherein the cathodes comprise Cu, each cathode comprising a wire mesh, and the two cathodes are arranged parallel to the two opposing main surfaces of the planar nonporous body of the anode so as to form a gap between them, and at least one conductive connector connecting the cathodes to the anode and maintaining a gap between the cathodes and the main surfaces of the planar nonporous body at the anode.

[0223] Embodiment 159 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 158, wherein the method comprises immersing a plurality of galvanic cells in an aqueous composition, each galvanic cell being attached to one or more structural connectors, and the galvanic cell comprising: a single anode comprising a planar nonporous body comprising Mg, Al or a combination thereof; two cathodes, each cathode comprising Cu, each cathode comprising a wire mesh, and both cathodes being positioned parallel to the two opposing main surfaces of the planar nonporous body of the anode so as to form a gap between them; and at least one conductive connector connecting the cathodes to the anode and maintaining a gap between the cathodes and the main surfaces of the planar nonporous body at the anode.

[0224] Embodiment 160 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 159, comprising immersing one or more galvanic cells in a container containing an 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 according to Embodiment 160, wherein the filter comprises glass frit, textile filters, paper filters, disc filters, rotary filters, drum filters, screens, sieves, particulate filtration media, filtration aids, or a combination thereof.

[0226] Embodiment 162 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 160 to 161, wherein the filter is a rotating disk filter. Embodiment 163 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 160 to 162, wherein filtering comprises forming a filtered cake on a filter, and the filtered cake contains a solid.

[0227] Embodiment 164 provides the method of Embodiment 163, further comprising backwashing the filter to remove the filter cake from the filter and forming a backwash liquid containing the removed filter cake.

[0228] Embodiment 165 provides the method of Embodiment 164, wherein a portion of the water containing solids is used to backwash the filter. Embodiment 166 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 160 to 165, wherein one or more galvanic cells are placed in the aqueous composition on the side of the container, and the filter is placed in the aqueous composition near the center of the container.

[0229] Embodiment 167 provides a method according to any one of Embodiments 160 to 166, which includes filtering a solid from an aqueous composition using a plurality of filters. Embodiment 168 provides a method according to any one of embodiments 160 to 167, wherein one or more filters include a plurality of rotating disk filters.

[0230] Embodiment 169 provides a method for processing an aqueous composition, comprising immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, the galvanic cell comprising an anode containing Al, with an anode being about 90% to about 100% by weight of Al, a cathode containing Cu, with an anode being about 90% to about 100% by weight of Cu, and a conductive connector comprising an alloy containing Cu and Zn, electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, thereby forming a processed aqueous composition.

[0231] Embodiment 170 provides the method according to Embodiment 169, wherein immersion of a galvanic cell in an aqueous composition removes or reduces the concentration of a substance in the aqueous composition, the substance comprising one or more organic compounds, one or more inorganic compounds, one or more dyes and / or inks, one or more metals, one or more heavy metals, one or more toxic compounds and / or substances, fluorides, sulfides, arsenic, or a combination thereof, and immersion of a galvanic cell in an aqueous composition chemically transforms the substance, decomposes the substance, oxidizes the substance, reduces the substance, precipitates the substance, coagulates the substance, reacts the substance with oxygen, reacts the substance with chlorine, reacts the substance with one or more ions generated at the anode and / or cathode, or a combination thereof.

[0232] Embodiment 171 provides a method for solidifying and / or precipitating a suspension solid from an aqueous composition, comprising: immersing a galvanic cell in an aqueous composition, the galvanic cell comprising an anode containing Al, with an anode being about 90% to about 100% by weight of Al; a cathode containing Cu, with an anode being about 90% to about 100% by weight of Cu; and a conductive connector comprising an alloy containing Cu and Zn, electrically connecting the anode and the cathode; thereby forming a treated aqueous composition containing a solidified and / or precipitated suspension solid from the aqueous composition; and removing the solidified and / or precipitated suspension solid from the treated aqueous composition.

[0233] Embodiment 172 provides a method for reducing or removing emulsion from an aqueous composition, comprising immersing a galvanic cell in an aqueous composition containing an oil / water type and / or water / oil type emulsion, the galvanic cell comprising an anode containing Al, with an amount of about 90% to about 100% by weight of Al, a cathode containing Cu, with an amount of about 90% to about 100% by weight of Cu, and a conductive connector containing an alloy containing Cu and Zn, which electrically connects the anode and the cathode, thereby reducing or removing emulsion from the aqueous composition and forming a treated aqueous composition.

[0234] Embodiment 173 provides the method according to Embodiment 172, which reduces the turbidity of an aqueous composition by 80% to 99.999%. Embodiment 174 provides a method for reducing the chemical oxygen demand of an aqueous composition, comprising immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, the galvanic cell comprising an anode containing Al, with an anode being about 90% to about 100% by weight of Al, a cathode containing Cu, with an anode being about 90% to about 100% by weight of Cu, and a conductive connector comprising an alloy containing Cu and Zn that electrically connects the anode and cathode, thereby reducing or eliminating the chemical oxygen demand of the aqueous composition and forming a treated aqueous composition.

[0235] Embodiment 175 provides the method of Embodiment 174 for reducing the chemical oxygen demand of an aqueous composition by 3% to 95%. Embodiment 176 provides a method for reducing or removing silica from an aqueous composition, comprising immersing a galvanic cell in the aqueous composition, the galvanic cell comprising an anode containing Al, with an anode being about 90% to about 100% by weight of Al, a cathode containing Cu, with an anode being about 90% to about 100% by weight of Cu, and a conductive connector comprising an alloy containing Cu and Zn, electrically connecting the anode and the cathode, thereby reducing or removing silica from the aqueous composition and forming a treated aqueous composition.

[0236] Embodiment 177 is an aqueous composition containing SiO3 2- The present invention provides a method according to Embodiment 176, which reduces the concentration of by 20% to 90%. Embodiment 178 provides any one or any combination of the methods described in Embodiments 1 to 177, which are configured as optional choices, such that all elements or options described are available or selectable.

Claims

1. A galvanic cell for aqueous composition processing, an anode containing Al, Having a different composition from the anode, the cathode contains Cu, A galvanic cell comprising a conductive connector for electrically 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 or a combination thereof 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 do not directly contact each other.

2. The galvanic cell according to claim 1, wherein the anode is planar, the cathode is planar, the anode is parallel to the cathode, and the conductive connector maintains the anode and the cathode in a parallel arrangement to each other.

3. The galvanic cell according to claim 1, wherein the porous cathode material includes a wire, a mesh, a screen, a sheet having one or more through holes, or a combination thereof.

4. The galvanic cell according to claim 1, wherein the cathode includes a wire mesh or a screen.

5. The galvanic cell according to claim 1, wherein the anode is a strip or a plate.

6. The galvanic cell according to claim 1, wherein the anode contains about 90% to about 100% by weight of Al.

7. The galvanic cell according to claim 1, wherein the cathode contains about 90% to about 100% by weight of Cu.

8. A galvanic cell according to Claim 1, A container having the aforementioned galvanic cell inside A water treatment system including a water treatment system.

9. The water treatment system according to claim 8, comprising one or more filters for removing solids formed by immersing the galvanic cell in an aqueous composition.

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