Iodophilic Electrode Capture and Release of Iodide From Water

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for destroying PFASs are energy-intensive, prone to clogging, or ineffective against shorter chain PFASs, and there is a need for more efficient and effective processes to reduce their presence in water.

Innovation Solution

The use of UV irradiation at 222 nm with additives like sulfite salts, halide salts, and bases, combined with thermal oxidation and electrochemical processes, to break down PFASs in aqueous solutions, achieving over 90% destruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) is used to destroy PFASs, then destruction efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and clogging issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePFAS destruction efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the oxidation process by using subcritical water conditions (lower temperature and pressure compared to supercritical conditions) while maintaining high PFAS destruction efficiency through extended residence time and optimized chemical dosing, thereby reducing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If hydrothermal alkaline treatment (HALT) is used to destroy PFASs, then destruction efficiency is improved, but equipment complexity and clogging risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePFAS destruction efficiencyVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the operational parameters by using milder heating conditions and lower pressure compared to HALT, combined with chemical oxidation agents, to achieve effective PFAS destruction while simplifying equipment requirements and reducing clogging risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If electrochemical destruction is used for long chain PFASs, then destruction efficiency is improved, but effectiveness against shorter chain PFASs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedestruction efficiency for long chain PFASsVSAvoideffectiveness against shorter chain PFASs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-functional treatment approach that combines chemical oxidation with thermal and electrochemical processes, creating a system that can effectively treat both long chain and short chain PFASs through multiple simultaneous mechanisms rather than relying on a single method

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If basic aprotic media are used to destroy PFASs, then destruction efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to water content requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePFAS destruction efficiencyVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses chemical oxidation agents as intermediaries that can function effectively in aqueous environments, bridging the gap between the need for high destruction efficiency (typically achieved in aprotic media) and the practical requirement to treat water-based waste streams without complex phase transfer operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method effectively destroys over 90% of PFASs, including both long and short chain compounds, with potential for complete destruction up to 99%, while minimizing energy consumption and avoiding electrode fouling.

Implementation Method 1

The use of UV irradiation at 222 nm with additives like sulfite salts, halide salts, and bases, combined with thermal oxidation and electrochemical processes, to break down PFASs in aqueous solutions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotodissociation: Photodissociation

Implementation Method 2

The use of UV irradiation at 222 nm with additives like sulfite salts, halide salts, and bases, combined with thermal oxidation and electrochemical processes, to break down PFASs in aqueous solutions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotosensitization:

Implementation Method 3

combined with thermal oxidation and electrochemical processes, to break down PFASs in aqueous solutions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal oxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 4

combined with thermal oxidation and electrochemical processes, to break down PFASs in aqueous solutions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS12515974B2Methods and systems of iodine capture from aqueous solutions

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 CLAROS TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

Methods, systems and devices for removing iodide from an aqueous solution including submerging an iodophilic electrode in an aqueous solution containing iodide, applying a current to the electrode, and electrochemically oxidizing the iodide to iodine within the electrode. The electrode may include an iodophilic material and an electrically conductive material. It may also include a binder. The iodophilic material may be a starch, chitosan, carboxycellulose, cationic polymer, or an anion exchange membrane material, for example. After oxidizing the iodide to iodine within the electrode, the electrode may be submerged in a second solution and a current may be applied to reduce the iodine and release it from the electrode in the form of iodide into the second solution.