Testing the use of cells equipped with solid polymer electrolytes for electro-disinfection

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Water Treatment Technologies
• Materials Science

Background:

• Electrolysis using boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes is a promising method for water disinfection.
• Different cell designs can significantly impact the efficiency and byproduct formation during electrochemical water treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance of two distinct BDD electrolysis cells (CONDIACELL® ECWP and CabECO) for water disinfection.
• To evaluate the impact of cell geometry and flow conditions on pathogen removal and byproduct generation.

Main Methods:

• Water disinfection tests were conducted using two different BDD electrolysis cells with varying mechanical designs and flow conditions.
• Performance was assessed based on pathogen removal rates and the production of disinfection byproducts such as chlorates and perchlorates.

Main Results:

• Both ECWP and CabECO cells achieved 3-5 logs of pathogen removal at a charge density of 0.02 Ah dm⁻³.
• The CabECO cell, a zero-gap design with a proton exchange membrane (SPE), showed an advantage in minimizing chlorate and perchlorate production in single-pass operation.

Conclusions:

• Electrolysis with BDD electrodes is effective for water disinfection, achieving significant pathogen reduction.
• The CabECO cell design offers advantages over the ECWP cell, particularly in reducing undesirable byproduct formation, making it a more efficient option for single-pass water treatment.