Chlorine Dioxide Gel Stabilization via Superabsorbent Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chlorine dioxide is unstable and difficult to store due to its susceptibility to decomposition from factors like UV radiation, mechanical agitation, and oxygen presence, limiting its application and requiring on-site generation, which results in rapid loss of potency.
Innovation Solution
A stable chlorine dioxide composition is achieved by mixing an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution with a superabsorbent, water-soluble polymer to form a gel or solid composition that 'locks' the chlorine dioxide molecules in an inert matrix, reducing mobility and protecting against decomposition, allowing for long-term storage and controlled release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chlorine dioxide is stored in aqueous solution, then it can be used for disinfection, but it decomposes rapidly and loses potency within 24 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms chlorine dioxide from a gaseous form to an aqueous solution form, changing its physical state and concentration parameters. This parameter change allows the substance to be stored in a stable liquid form while maintaining its disinfection properties, resolving the contradiction between usability and storage stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary storage system where chlorine dioxide is generated on-site from precursor chemicals (chlorite salts and oxidizing agents) rather than storing the unstable gas directly. This intermediary approach allows stable storage of precursors that can be converted to active chlorine dioxide when needed, solving the rapid decomposition problem
2Ease of operation
If chlorine dioxide is generated on-site, then it can be used immediately, but 80-90% of its strength is lost within 24 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares chlorine dioxide aqueous solutions in advance at optimized concentrations and stabilizes them for storage. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site generation, allowing the stable solution to be stored and used whenever needed without significant potency loss, resolving the contradiction between immediate availability and substance retention
3Reliability
If pure chlorine dioxide gas is used, then disinfection effectiveness is maximized, but it is unstable and susceptible to UV and self-decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of chlorine dioxide from high concentrations in gas form to optimized lower concentrations in aqueous solution (typically 0.1-10 ppm for disinfection). This parameter change reduces the substance's instability and susceptibility to decomposition while maintaining sufficient disinfection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent stabilizes chlorine dioxide in an aqueous environment that protects it from UV radiation and prevents self-decomposition. The water matrix acts as a protective medium that reduces the molecule's reactivity toward decomposition pathways, allowing stable storage while maintaining disinfection capability
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 gel or solid composition effectively preserves chlorine dioxide concentration for extended periods, retaining 80% or higher for at least 6 months at room temperature, and can be easily released for use, overcoming the limitations of aqueous solutions by minimizing decomposition and maintaining effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
mixing an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution with a superabsorbent, water-soluble polymer to form a gel or solid composition that 'locks' the chlorine dioxide molecules in an inert matrix
Implementation Method 2
form a gel or solid composition that 'locks' the chlorine dioxide molecules in an inert matrix, reducing mobility and protecting against decomposition
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a composition having the property of being able to store chlorine dioxide includes mixing an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution with a superabsorbent, water-soluble polymer that is substantially unreactive with chlorine dioxide and permitting a mixture formed thereby to form one of a gel and a solid composition. A method of delivering chlorine dioxide includes providing a gel or solid composition as described and degelling the gel or dissolving the solid composition to dispense the chlorine dioxide therefrom. A method of disinfecting a target such as water, wastewater, or a surface comprises delivering chlorine dioxide as above and permitting the polymer to precipitate out of the mixture. Aqueous chlorine dioxide is then recovered and applied to the target.