Catalysts For Aqueous Contaminant Reduction

Patent Status

Additional Patent Pending

Full Description

Background

In the US, the health reference level for chlorate (ClO₃^-) is set at 0.21 milligrams per liter (mg/L) and the minimum reporting level at 0.02 mg/L. Although ClO₃^- contamination challenge for water systems has been recognized, research efforts for ClO₃^- reduction are limited. Platinum group metal (PGM) catalyzed hydrogenation provides a clean degradation route. However, most reported ClO₃^- reduction catalysts exhibit maximum activity in acidic conditions or require higher dosage (10 - 80X) of the catalyst.

Technology

Prof. Jinyong Liu and his research team have developed a novel catalyst through the use of rational chemistry and simple engineering approach. The developed ruthenium (Ru) on palladium-carbon supports (Pd/C) makes it possible to treat ClO₃^- contamination under various water conditions. The facile method yields catalysts that demonstrat robustness and unprecedented performance.

Profiles and turnover factor (TOF₀) for 1 millimolar (mM) ClO₃^- reduction by three different catalysts. 

pH dependence of the Ru-Pd/C, Ru/C. First-order rate constants are normalized by the loading of PGM.  

Advantages

• Facile catalyst preparation - a highly active catalyst is prepared in 20 minutes using 1 atmosphere H₂ at 20 deg. C - without any heating.
• Unprecedented catalyst performance - the catalysts show a substantially higher activity of reduction at both neutral and acidic pH.
• Higher robustness - the catalyst allows complete reduction of ClO3- even in the presence of sulphate (SO₄^2-) and chloride (Cl^-).
• The ruthenium and palladium exhibit bimetallic synergy.
• Reduced cost of catalyst.

Suggested uses

Water treatment applications such as:

• Drinking water
• Waste-water runoffs from agriculture and dairy
• Waste-water treatment in industrial processes
• Water treatments that use various electrochemical processes 

Related Materials

• Preparation and Synergy of Supported Ru0 and Pd0 for Rapid Chlorate Reduction at pH 7

Inventor Information

• Please read recent press coverage of Prof. Jinyong Liu's research.
• Please visit Prof. Jinyong Liu's group website to learn more about their research.
• Please review all inventions by Prof. Jinyong Liu and his team at UCR