Chloride-selective bismuth electrode for reducing salty taste in electrolytes

Overview

This technology addresses the challenge of salty taste in electrolyte solutions by selectively removing chloride ions through an electrochemical process. The approach uses a bismuth-based electrode that undergoes a reversible redox reaction with chloride, enabling targeted ion removal from mixed-ion solutions. By reducing chloride concentration while preserving other beneficial ions, the technology offers a method to improve the taste profile of electrolyte formulations used in food, beverage, nutritional, and water treatment applications.

Technical specifications

• Selective chloride capture: Bismuth is fabricated into an electrode that selectively interacts with chloride ions through a redox reaction, preferentially absorbing chloride over competing anions such as sulfate.
• Electrochemical separation system: The bismuth electrode is paired with a counter electrode (such as carbon) in a flow cell configuration that enables continuous operation.
• Regenerable electrode design: Once saturated with chloride, the electrode can be reduced to release the captured ions, allowing regeneration and reuse over multiple cycles.
• Validated selectivity: Prior studies have demonstrated a selectivity of 4.5 for chloride over sodium ions in mixed-ion solutions, with electrochemical characterization (cyclic voltammetry) confirming the selective reaction in electrolytes containing 1 M NaCl and Na2SO4.
• Analytical support: Ion chromatography capabilities at Clarkson's analytical facility (CAARES) enable precise quantification of ion concentrations during testing.

Technology readiness level

The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development. Proof-of-concept validation has been completed, demonstrating that bismuth can selectively interact with chloride ions in capacitive deionization devices and confirming the electrochemical reaction through cyclic voltammetry. The next phase involves fabricating a full bismuth electrode coupled with a counter electrode and testing it in a flow cell with mixed-ion solutions to quantify chloride removal efficiency. An estimated budget of $80,000 is allocated for supplies, analytical services, and graduate student support over a six-month period under the principal investigator's supervision.