Single-Atom Catalyst Fenton Filter for Wastewater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) face challenges in efficiently activating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) without energy input and in producing H2O2, particularly due to energy-intensive UV photolysis and safety concerns with mercury lamps, as well as complex infrastructure requirements and hazards associated with H2O2 transportation and storage.
Innovation Solution
A Fenton filter comprising a porous substrate coated with a catalyst matrix containing single metal atoms, such as copper, incorporated in graphitic carbon nitride, and an electrolyzer design for on-site generation of H2O2 using air, electricity, and a neutral electrolyte, which together form a water treatment system that addresses the challenges of H2O2 activation and production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV photolysis is used to activate H2O2, then hydroxyl radicals are generated for contaminant degradation, but energy consumption increases and mercury safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the UV photolysis system (mechanical/electromagnetic system requiring energy input) with a catalytic system using single-atom catalysts that activate H2O2 through chemical catalysis without requiring UV light or energy input, thereby eliminating mercury lamps and reducing energy consumption while maintaining contaminant degradation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation mechanism parameter from photochemical (UV light-induced) to catalytic (single-atom catalyst-mediated), fundamentally altering how hydroxyl radicals are generated from H2O2 to eliminate the need for energy-intensive UV irradiation
2Quantity of substance
If anthraquinone process is used to produce H2O2, then H2O2 is generated for AOPs, but infrastructure complexity increases and transportation/storage hazards arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the H2O2 production function from the complex anthraquinone industrial process and implements it through a simplified electrochemical system using basic electrolysis of water or decomposition of peroxides, eliminating the need for complex infrastructure while maintaining H2O2 generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to generate its own H2O2 on-demand through electrochemical reactions or in-situ decomposition reactions, eliminating the need for external H2O2 supply chains, transportation, and storage facilities
3Reliability
If conventional catalysts are used to activate H2O2, then hydroxyl radicals are generated, but catalyst deactivation and sludge formation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses single-atom catalysts where individual metal atoms are isolated and dispersed on a support matrix, creating uniform local catalytic sites that prevent aggregation and deactivation, thereby maintaining high catalytic activity and stability without forming sludge
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining single metal atoms with support matrices (such as carbon materials or metal oxides), creating stable catalytic systems where the support prevents catalyst degradation and sludge formation while maintaining radical generation efficiency
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 system effectively generates hydroxyl radicals for organic contaminant degradation, reducing energy and chemical inputs, and is suitable for decentralized applications, demonstrating high stability and cost-effectiveness in treating wastewater.
Implementation Method 1
a catalyst coating the porous substrate, wherein the catalyst includes a matrix and single metal atoms incorporated in the matrix
Implementation Method 2
an electrolyzer design for on-site generation of H2O2 using air, electricity, and a neutral electrolyte
Implementation Method 3
Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) that generate hydroxyl radical (·OH) to destroy organic contaminants
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are Fenton filters comprising a porous substrate and a catalyst coating the porous substrate, wherein the catalyst includes a matrix and single metal atoms incorporated in the matrix. Also disclosed herein are methods of generating radicals from an oxidant, electrolyzers, methods of generating hydrogen peroxide, and water treatment systems.