Electrochemical decentralized treatment

Electrochemical processes have garnered attention in recent years for their application in treating water and wastewater. These technologies are attractive as module units that are easily scalable to meet the needs of a wide range of users, from single-family households to industrial manufacturers. With ongoing maturity of robust off-grid energy technology, the potential for global implementation of electrochemical treatment systems for point-of-use (POU) and decentralized applications is ever growing. While much of the research on electrochemical water treatment systems has focused on direct electrochemical oxidation of recalcitrant organic contaminants through the development of specialized electrode materials, our work aims to utilize the already well defined capabilities of electrodes to produce useful chemical reagents. In this manner, we develop simple, scalable modular electrochemical units that can be implemented in a variety of systems. For example, recent and ongoing projects in our lab have implemented an open-air cathode electrode design to efficiently produce hydrogen peroxide, which can be paired in-line with low-cost UV lamps to perform advanced oxidation on a variety of water sources (i.e. POU treatment of groundwater/surface water for potable use, direct treatment of stormwater at urban infiltration wells). Another ongoing project is investigating zero-chemical-input chlorine production to simplify operation and upkeep of POU electrochlorinators.

1. Ocasio, D.; Sedlak, D.L. Membrane-Assisted Electrochlorination for Zero-Chemical-Input Point-of-Use Drinking Water Disinfection 2022.
2. Duan, Y.; Sedlak, D.L. An electrochemical advanced oxidation process for the treatment of urban stormwater. Water Research X 2021, 13, 100127.
3. Barazesh, J.; Prasse, C.; Wenk, J.; Berg, S.; Remucal, C.; Sedlak, D.L. Trace Element Removal In Distributed Drinking Water Treatment Systems By Cathodic H₂O₂ production And UV Photolysis. Environmental Science & Technology 2017, 52 (1), 195-204.dfdf
4. Barazesh, J.; Prasse, C.; Sedlak, D.L. Electrochemical Transformation Of Trace Organic Contaminants In The Presence Of Halide And Carbonate Ions. Environmental Science & Technology 2016, 50 (18), 10143-10152.
5. Barazesh, J.; Hennebel, T.; Jasper, J.; Sedlak, D.L. Modular Advanced Oxidation Process Enabled By Cathodic Hydrogen Peroxide Production. Environmental Science & Technology 2015, 49 (12), 7391-7399.