Flow-through interdigitated electrochemical reactor for chloramine removal
A novel electrochemical reactor using interdigitated microelectrodes and electrolytic ozone generation to achieve >99% chloramine oxidation. The technology combines electric field-induced molecular stretching with ozone oxidation to efficiently break down chloramines in water treatment, eliminating waste flow across varying temperatures and flow rates.
Overview
This solution presents a novel flow-through interdigitated electrochemical reactor designed for efficient chloramine removal in water treatment applications. Chloramines are bipolar molecules commonly used as disinfectants in municipal water systems, but their removal is challenging and often produces waste streams requiring further treatment. The proposed reactor addresses this challenge by combining two synergistic mechanisms: electric field-induced stretching of chloramine bonds across interdigitated microelectrodes, and electrolytic ozone generation at the positive electrode to break the stretched bonds efficiently. Together, these mechanisms enable total chlorine removal efficiencies exceeding 99% without generating waste flow.
Technical specifications
- Interdigitated microelectrode design: Flow-through architecture with closely spaced electrodes that apply controlled electric fields across the water stream
- Electrolytic ozone generation: Ozone is produced directly at the positive electrode, eliminating the need for external ozone generation equipment
- Nickel-based multi-metal oxide electrodes: Novel oxide-based electrode materials validated for chloramine oxidation
- Tunable electric field: Applied voltage can be adjusted to balance molecular stretching and ozone generation for optimal removal
- Validated operating range: Effective across feedwater temperatures from 10°C to 35°C and flow rates from 100 to 500 ml/minute
- Waste-free operation: Combined electric field and ozone mechanisms eliminate the need for separate waste treatment streams
Technology readiness level
The core electrochemical oxidation process has been validated at laboratory scale, demonstrating >99% chloramine removal efficiency using electrolytically generated ozone on nickel-based multi-metal oxide electrodes across a range of feedwater temperatures and flow rates. The electric field-induced breakdown of bipolar molecules has also been assessed separately. Future work will focus on designing and optimizing the novel flow-through reactor configuration, including evaluation of electrode material, electrode spacing, electrode area, and electrode thickness. Additional validation will assess total chlorine removal efficiency in both batch and continuous flow-through modes as a function of applied electric field, feedwater temperature, flow rate, and water chemistry. The technology is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development, with proven chemistry awaiting reactor engineering and scale-up.
About University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a comprehensive public research university in Iowa City, anchored by broad graduate and professional programs and an integrated academic medical center. Companies engage through shared core laboratories and analytical facilities, with straightforward agreements that streamline access to campus expertise. A research and technology park in nearby Coralville co-locates startups and corporate R&D with university resources, while the Iowa City–Cedar Rapids corridor offers ready partners across a diverse industrial base. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, and NASA. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation, with industry-friendly agreements and commercialization support.
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