Method and apparatus for copper-catalyzed electrochemical water treatment

Abstract

A method and apparatus for copper-catalyzed electrochemical water treatment are provided. The method comprises the steps of supplying an aqueous solution and electrochemically treating the aqueous solution in an electrochemical cell comprising an anode, a cathode, and the aqueous solution as an electrolyte, by applying an electric potential to said anode and said cathode, thereby producing purified water. The apparatus comprises an electrochemical cell comprising an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte, the electrolyte contacting the anode and the cathode; an inlet allowing the electrolyte in the electrochemical cell; and an outlet allowing purified water out of the electrochemical cell. In both cases, the electrolyte/aqueous solution comprises water to be treated, chloride ions in a concentration [Cl−] at least about 10 mM, and copper(II) and/or copper(I) ions in a total copper ions concentration, [CU2+] +[Cu+], of at least about 20 μM.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.