Bio-electrochemical System for H2O2 Control in Advanced Oxidation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) face challenges in the efficient in-situ production and removal of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), with high electric energy consumption and inefficiencies in H2O2 production and residual H2O2 removal, which hampers their practical application in wastewater treatment.
Innovation Solution
A bio-electrochemical system (BES) comprising a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) and microbial fuel cell (MFC) circuits, where the MEC produces H2O2 and the MFC removes residual H2O2, utilizing a common cathode chamber and an external switch to alternate between production and removal modes, reducing electric energy consumption and enhancing treatment efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional H2O2 production methods (anthraquinone oxidation) are used, then H2O2 can be supplied for Fenton process, but the production is inefficient and creates security issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses electrochemical cells to produce H2O2 in-situ directly at the treatment location, eliminating the need for external production and transportation. The H2O2 is generated on-demand through electrochemical reactions, making the system self-sufficient and removing security concerns associated with external supply chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional chemical production methods (anthraquinone oxidation) with electrochemical methods. Instead of using complex chemical processes requiring external supply, the system uses electricity-driven electrochemical cells to generate H2O2 directly, improving both efficiency and reliability.
2Productivity
If electro-Fenton process is used to in-situ generate H2O2, then H2O2 production is achieved, but electric energy consumption is relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the treatment process into separate functional stages: H2O2 production in electrochemical cells and Fenton reaction in treatment chambers. This segmentation allows H2O2 to be produced efficiently at controlled locations and then applied where needed, reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-energy electro-Fenton operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary H2O2 production in electrochemical cells before applying it to the Fenton process. By pre-generating the oxidant in a more energy-efficient manner and storing/applying it subsequently, the system avoids the continuous high energy input required by traditional electro-Fenton processes.
3Productivity
If Fenton process is used for wastewater treatment, then recalcitrant organic pollutants are effectively removed, but residual H2O2 remains causing measurement errors and affecting subsequent biological treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates monitoring and control mechanisms to track H2O2 levels and treatment progress. By measuring residual H2O2 and pollutant concentrations, the system can adjust operational parameters to achieve complete degradation while minimizing harmful residuals, ensuring measurement accuracy and protecting subsequent biological treatment stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the residual H2O2 and intermediate products from the Fenton reaction as substrates for subsequent biological treatment. Instead of viewing residuals purely as harmful contaminants, the design allows aerobic bacteria to consume these intermediates, converting potential harm into beneficial biomass production and complete mineralization.
4Productivity
If AOPs are applied to reduce contaminant concentration, then COD and TOC are significantly reduced, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional integrated design where electrochemical cells serve both H2O2 production and mixing functions, treatment chambers handle both chemical reaction and biological degradation, and the same system addresses multiple contaminants simultaneously. This universality reduces overall process complexity despite the advanced treatment capabilities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The BES system achieves higher H2O2 production rates with reduced energy expenditure and effective residual H2O2 removal, enabling sustainable wastewater treatment and reuse by efficiently controlling H2O2 levels in AOPs.
Implementation Method 1
the first cathode is connected to a first circuit... applying voltage by an MFC to the first cathode leads to H2O2 production
Implementation Method 2
the anode is at least partly covered in biofilm... producing electricity over the external resistor with the second cathode leads to H2O2 removal
Implementation Method 3
AOPs applies use of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for providing hydroxyl radicals... in-situ generation of hydroxyl radical (OH)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a bio-electrochemical system (BES) and a method of in-situ production and removal of H2O2 using such a bio-electrochemical system (BES). Further, the invention relates to a method for in-situ control of H2O2 content in an aqueous system of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) involving in-situ generation of hydroxyl radical (OH) by using such a bio-electrochemical system (BES) and to a method for treatment of wastewater and water disinfection. The bio-electrochemical system (BES) according to the invention comprises: - an aqueous cathode compartment comprising a first cathode and a second cathode, - an aqueous anode compartment comprising an anode at least partly covered in biofilm, wherein the first cathode is connected to a first circuit and the second cathode is connected to a second circuit, wherein the first and the second circuit are connected to the system by an external switch.