UB researchers receive a grant to bring a new wastewater treatment system to market
Given the increase in temperatures associated with climate change and its adverse effects such as drought and the concentration of chemical pollutants in natural waters, the purification and regeneration of waste water is a global priority. Researchers from the University of Barcelona (UB) have developed an innovative decontamination system using the electrosynthesis of strong oxidants, which has more capacity and consumes less energy than other existing advanced water treatment systems. The project, led by Dr. Ignacio Sirés, professor in the Department of Materials Science and Physical Chemistry of the Faculty of Chemistry of the UB, has received an Innovators grant from the Generalitat de Catalunya of 84,000 euros to bring this technological solution to the market.
The new technology removes organic micropollutants and pathogens from wastewater, continuously, through an advanced oxidation process that is based on the production and activation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). It is a chemical disinfectant with multiple applications that produces oxygenated species that are highly oxidizing, but environmentally benign, to effectively treat these pollutants.
A more economical and ecological system
The researchers have developed an electrochemical reactor, designed and patented, to achieve the in situ production of H2O2 and its immediate use, thus avoiding the obstacles of its industrial synthesis, such as the use of solvents, with a notable environmental impact , and the danger of its transport, storage and handling.
The electrochemical generation of this oxidizer contributes to reducing other costs in the value chain, since it does not depend on the fluctuations inherent in the market. In addition, the reactor has an innovative design to increase treatment capacity and decrease energy consumption compared to other reactors. The characteristics of the technology mean that it can be used to treat a wide range of waste water, both industrial and urban, technical, alimentary or sanitary, while finding a very relevant application in the fine chemical sector and the pharmaceutical industry .
The project, with file number 2023 INNOV 00006, has received a grant from the Generalitat de Catalunya under the “Innovative Grants for valorization and knowledge transfer projects developed by innovators during stays in entities of the research and innovation system of Catalonia”.