Electrochemical Hydrogen Peroxide Removal via pH Gradient Catalysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing hydrogen peroxide from water in wastewater treatment and pure water production systems are inefficient, with catalyst resin methods experiencing decreased decomposition rates over time and requiring excessive reducing agents or large activated carbon systems, which can lead to water quality issues and equipment deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a hydrogen peroxide removal chamber with a metal catalyst, such as platinum group metals, between an anode and cathode, applying a DC voltage to facilitate rapid and stable hydrogen peroxide decomposition, supported on an ion exchanger to enhance catalytic activity and reduce catalyst usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reducing agent such as sodium sulfite or sodium thiosulfate is added to decompose hydrogen peroxide, then the decomposition rate is high and reliable removal is achieved, but the amount of ions in the liquid increases and water quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical reducing agents with a physical-electrical field system. An electrodeionization device with electrochemical cells and ion-exchange resins uses electrical current to generate local pH differences that catalyze hydrogen peroxide decomposition, eliminating the need for chemical reducing agents and preventing ion contamination in the water
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by applying specific voltage conditions across electrochemical cells to create localized pH gradients (acidic at anode, basic at cathode). This parameter change enables catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide without adding external chemicals, resolving the contradiction between decomposition efficiency and water quality
2Device complexity
If activated carbon is used to contact and remove hydrogen peroxide, then the device structure is simple, but the reaction rate is low requiring large device size and the activated carbon may be oxidized and collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow chemical adsorption process of activated carbon with an electrochemically-enhanced catalytic process. The electrodeionization device uses electrical energy to create pH gradients that dramatically accelerate hydrogen peroxide decomposition, achieving high reaction rates while maintaining a compact device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical voltage as a new parameter to control the decomposition process. By adjusting the voltage and current density in the electrochemical cells, the reaction rate can be precisely controlled and optimized, overcoming the slow kinetics of activated carbon while avoiding its oxidation collapse issue
3Productivity
If a catalyst resin with palladium or platinum is used to decompose hydrogen peroxide, then the decomposition rate is faster than activated carbon, but the decomposition rate decreases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces organic catalyst resins with inorganic electrodeionization components that are electrochemically stable. The ion-exchange resins and electrochemical cells do not suffer from the same degradation mechanisms as organic catalysts, providing sustained decomposition capability over extended operational periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrical parameters (voltage, current) to maintain optimal decomposition conditions continuously. The electrochemical system can be regenerated by reversing polarity or adjusting operational parameters, preventing the performance degradation that occurs with catalyst resins over time
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
This approach enables stable and efficient hydrogen peroxide removal across a wide concentration range, maintaining high decomposition performance over time, reducing equipment size, and improving water quality while minimizing catalyst costs.
Implementation Method 1
a method for removing hydrogen peroxide contained in water to be processed, comprising the step of passing the water to be processed through a hydrogen peroxide removal chamber which is provided between an anode and a cathode and in which a metal catalyst with hydrogen peroxide decomposition ability is at least partially filled
Implementation Method 2
anion exchanger on which a platinum group metal catalyst is supported
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen peroxide removing apparatus for removing hydrogen peroxide contained in water to be processed includes: anode and cathode; and hydrogen peroxide removal chamber provided between anode and cathode and at least partially filled with a metal catalyst with hydrogen peroxide decomposition ability, wherein a DC voltage is applied between anode and cathode.