Electrolytic synthesis of peracetic acid

A method of antimicrobial decontamination of items comprising:

• a) supplying an oxygen containing gas to a cathode of an electrolysis unit;
• b) reacting oxygen in the gas to form peroxide ions or hydrogen peroxide in an electrolyte at the cathode;
• c) reacting the peroxide ions or hydrogen peroxide with an acetyl donor to form peracetic acid;
• and
• d) transporting the electrolyte containing peracetic acid to a site at which the items are microbially decontaminated.

A system for generating antimicrobial solution containing peracetic acid, the system comprising:

• an electrolysis unit including:
• an anode,
• a cathode, and
• a source of a potential which applies a potential between the anode and the cathode;
• a source of an oxygen containing gas which supplies oxygen to the cathode for forming hydrogen peroxide or peroxide ions in an electrolyte;
• and
• a source of an acetyl donor, which supplies an acetyl donor for reacting with the hydrogen peroxide or peroxide ions to form a solution which includes peracetic acid.

A method for preparing an antimicrobial solution containing peracetic acid, the method comprising:

• supplying an oxygen containing gas to a cathode of an electrolysis unit;
• reacting oxygen in the gas to form peroxide ions or hydrogen peroxide in an electrolyte at the cathode;
• and
• reacting the hydrogen peroxide or peroxide ions with an acetyl donor to form peracetic acid.