In Situ Hydrogen Peroxide Generation for Use as a Disinfectant and as an Oxidant for Water Recovery by Aqueous Phase Catalytic Oxidation

The initial development effort is described for an electrochemical hydrogen peroxide generator and pervaporation module capable of producing and delivering hydrogen peroxide to a contaminated waste water stream as an oxidant or to a pure water stream for use as a disinfectant. A three chambered cell is used to generate hydrogen peroxide by a combined electrodialysis and electrochemical process. Each chamber is separated from its neighbor by a membrane allowing selective production of peroxide anions and hydrogen ions under controlled pH conditions followed by migration to form hydrogen peroxide. Concentrations greater than 6,500mg/L have been produced in this manner. The effects of voltage, pH, membranes, electrode materials, and method of oxygen introduction are delineated. Hydrogen peroxide is then transferred to the end-use stream by pervaporation. The impact of pH, relative flow rates, and ionic strength of sink and source solutions on pervaporation rates is detailed. The use of hydrogen peroxide as a superior disinfectant and as an oxidant is also described.