Newtaml catalyst technology for sustainable ultradilute oxidation catalysis in water treatment

Overview

NewTAML catalysts represent a next-generation class of small-molecule peroxidase mimics developed for Sustainable Ultradilute Oxidation Catalysis (SUDOC). These catalysts are designed to activate common oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide and chloramine to remove trace organic micropollutants from water sources, including tap water and secondary municipal wastewater. The technology aims to deliver high-performance water purification while avoiding the formation of chlorinated disinfection byproducts and without introducing additional chemicals into treated water. Research has demonstrated that just 1 kg of NewTAML catalyst combined with 15 ppm hydrogen peroxide can purify secondary municipal wastewater comparably to 3 ppm ozone for the daily output of 150,000 people. This positions NewTAMLs as a transformative solution for cost-effective, environmentally responsible water treatment.

Technical specifications

• Peroxidase mimic activation: NewTAML catalysts activate hydrogen peroxide and chloramine to generate powerful yet biosafe oxidants capable of degrading trace organic contaminants.
• Ultradilute catalysis: Operates at extremely low catalyst concentrations, enabling efficient treatment with minimal material input and no addition of soluble reagents in heterogeneous configurations.
• Pollutant removal: Effective against organic micropollutants in municipal wastewater and residual organics in tap water, including those targeted by chloramine treatment.
• Byproduct avoidance: Designed to prevent formation of chlorinated disinfection byproducts commonly associated with conventional water treatment methods.
• Delivery formats: Can be deployed homogeneously in solution or heterogeneously on solid supports and membranes, enabling catalytic removal of chloramine without adding soluble reagents to the water.
• Performance benchmarks: Patent-pending NewTAMLs also deliver record-setting performance in hypochlorite oxidation reactions, demonstrating versatility across multiple oxidation chemistries.

Technology readiness level

NewTAML catalysts have demonstrated strong proof-of-concept performance in municipal wastewater treatment applications, with extensive data available on technical efficacy, cost reduction, and hazard reduction. The current research phase focuses on validating NewTAML activation of chloramine for tap water purification, which has not yet been tested. Future validation plans include kinetic studies of chloramine removal, product analysis, and transition from homogeneous to heterogeneous catalyst formats on solids and membranes. If chloramine activation is confirmed, the pathway includes comprehensive safety testing and steps toward commercial development. The underlying TAML catalyst platform preceded NewTAMLs and has a longer development history, while NewTAML advancements are supported by foundation and university funding.