Electrochemically Generated, Hydrogen Peroxide Boosed Aqueous Phase Catalytic Oxidation (H₂O₂ APCOS)

UMPQUA Research Company

Myrtle Creek, OR

The innovation consists of a device that allows the production of an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) using only oxygen, water, and electrical power. Heterogeneous catalysts have been developed that efficiently utilize the H₂O₂ to oxidize a wide range of aqueous phase organic contaminants at low temperatures.

• H₂O₂ is formed within a pure water stream, simplifying production and eliminating undesirable by-products.
• The system is capable of oxidizing higher organic contaminant loads containing more refractory organic species at lower temperatures than previous APCOS processes. It will lower energy consumption and the need for ancillary water treatment processes.
• A 0.5 g/L acetic acid solution processed through a prototype catalytic reactor system achieved a 96.1% reduction in total organic carbon at a flow rate of 10 mL/min at 90C, representing a major advancement in the state of the art for APCOS systems.
• The use of H₂O₂ results in sterile reactor effluents produced at much lower temperatures than is achievable by conventional means.

• The technology has significant potential in the field of environmental remediation and commercial H₂O₂ production. Calgon Carbon Corporation has expressed a desire to assist in further development of the technology and licensing it for commercial applications. Solvay Interox, Inc., the world’s largest producer of hydrogen peroxide, has also expressed a desire to assist in development.

• The H₂O₂ APCOS technology is uniquely suited to Advanced Life Support Systems (ALSS). It provides significantly enhanced water reclamation capabilities over existing oxidation processes in a smaller size package that weighs less and uses less power. The in-line, on-demand production of H₂O₂ has the added benefit of sterilizing process water at much lower temperatures than existing technology and provides a ready supply of safe sterilant for use in surface sterilization and decontamination. The prototype reactor and H₂O₂ generator delivered to NASA Ames Research Center provide an excellent test bed for further ALSS development. Picture is not available.

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