Polarity Reversal Electro-Oxidation for Water Treatment

Treating contaminated water is an energy intensive and costly process. Traditional methods such as biological reactors that require continuous aeration and temperature control, or chemically intensive disinfection processes are widely employed. These methods require addition of reagents and produce large amounts of sludge and hazardous byproducts. The development of more environmentally and economically sustainable treatment technologies is desirable. Electrochemical advanced oxidation processes have emerged as promising alternatives. In these systems, a current is applied to electrodes submerged in contaminated water. In electro-oxidation, electrochemical reactions produce strong oxidants that mineralize organics and inactivate pathogens. However, material precipitation on the electrodes in polluted waters reduces the contaminant removal efficiency and increases cell resistivity. It is suggested that intermittently reversing electrode polarity may remove the passivating electrode surface layer, while enhancing treatment performance. This study is designed to explore this idea, which ultimately could aid the transition to more sustainable water treatment practices.

Faculty Supervisor:

Edward Roberts

Student:

Partner:

University of Barcelona

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Calgary

Program: