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US 5,320,718 AGranted
Method for removing oxidizable organic compounds from an aqueous solution
AssigneeUnited Technologies Corporation
InventorsTrent M. Molter, Philip J. Birbara, William J. Parente
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Abstract
A method for removing oxidizable organic compounds from an aqueous solution is disclosed which utilizes an electrolysis cell having a solid polymer electrolyte. The organic compounds are introduced into the anode chamber and a series of potentials are applied to the anode which potentials cause the organic compounds to absorb onto the cathode catalyst, oxidize the organic compounds and then regenerate or de-foul the catalyst.
Claims14
A method for removing oxidizable organic compounds from an aqueous solution comprising:
- a) introducing an aqueous solution containing oxidizable organic compounds into an anodic chamber of a solid polymer electrolyte electrolysis cell said cell having an anode, a cathode, and a cathode chamber wherein a metal catalyst is positioned on the surface of the anode;
- b) applying an absorption potential to the anode of the electrolysis cell sufficient to cause the oxidizable organic compounds to absorb onto the surface of the anode;
- c) applying an oxidation potential to the anode sufficient to oxidize said absorbed oxidizable organic compounds and thereby produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas and forming a metal oxide layer on the anode catalyst;
- d) applying a regenerating potential to the anode sufficient to reduce the metal oxide layer formed on the anode catalyst to the non-oxidized metal catalyst state.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.