Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for recovering an onium compound from waste solutions or synthetic solutions containing the onium compound and impurities including the steps: contacting the waste solution or synthetic solution with a metal ion scavenger to remove metal ion impurities, wherein the metal ion scavenger comprises at least one of a chelating compound, a nanoporous material, and a magnetically assisted (MACS) material; charging the waste solution or synthetic solution to an electrochemical cell containing at least two compartments, a cathode, an anode and a divider and passing a current through the cell whereby the onium compound is regenerated or produced; and recovering the onium compound from the cell.

Abstract: A system for treating dissolved halogenated organic compounds in groundwater that relies upon electrolytically-generated hydrogen to chemically reduce the halogenated compounds in the presence of a suitable catalyst. A direct current is placed across at least a pair, or an array, of electrodes which are housed within groundwater wells so that hydrogen is generated at the cathode and oxygen at the anode. A pump is located within the well housing in which the cathode(s) is(are) located and draws in groundwater where it is hydrogenated via electrolysis, passes through a well-bore treatment unit, and then transported to the anode well(s) for reinjection into the ground. The well-bore treatment involves a permeable cylinder located in the well bore and containing a packed bed of catalyst material that facilitates the reductive dehalogenation of the halogenated organic compounds by hydrogen into environmentally benign species such as ethane and methane.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell and internal combustion engine kit including an electrolysis cell is disclosed. The cell includes a sealed plastic body having an inlet and an outlet. The plastic body includes a first terminal located at the top of the body, a second terminal located adjacent to the first terminal and insulated conductors associated with each terminal extending through the body and towards the bottom end thereof. Each terminal ends in a respective anode and cathode which are operatively connected to the terminals. The anode and cathode are spaced apart from one another within the body. When an electrolysis solution is placed in the body, and a current provided across the electrodes, water is caused to decompose into hydrogen and oxygen. These combustible gases are then passed into the internal combustion engine to increase the efficiency and power thereof. In one embodiment a reservoir is provided to ensure that the level is maintained in the cell.

Abstract: Electrochemical incineration of p-benzoquinone was evaluated as a model for the mineralization of carbon in toxic aromatic compounds. A Ti or Pt anode was coated with a film of the oxides of Ti, Ru, Sn and Sb. This quaternary metal oxide film was stable; elemental analysis of the electrolyzed solution indicated the concentration of these metal ions to be 3 &mgr;g/L or less. The anode showed good reactivity for the electrochemical incineration of benzoquinone. The use of a dissolved salt matrix as the so-called “supporting electrolyte” was eliminated in favor of a solid-state electrolyte sandwiched between the anode and cathode.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for electrokinetic transport through soil, comprising an electrode and a containment surrounding the electrode, the containment comprising a layer of a porous material and a rigid porous member disposed between the electrode and the porous material to support or secure the first material. The porous material and rigid porous member allow passage of water, hydrogen ions, hydroxyl ions and one or more target ions. A preferred porous material is clay or ceramic and a preferred rigid porous member is a perforated plastic tube.

Abstract: Concentration of tritium and/or deuterium that is a contaminant in H2O, followed by separation of the concentrate from the H2O. Employed are certain metal oxo complexes, preferably with a metal from Group VIII. For instance, [RuIV(2,2′,6′,2″-terpyridine)(2,2′-bipyridine)(O)](ClO4)2 is very suitable.

Abstract: System for the electrochemical cleavage of compounds which includes a mediator which has no metals or heavy metals and at least two electrodes for the electrochemical activation of the mediator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pre-treatment of a fresh manure slurry stream. The method alters gas production during subsequent treatment or holding. The method passes the stream through a pre-treatment zone in which the slurry is subjected to alternating electrical current depositing energy from about 1.1.times.10.sup.-2 J/cm.sup.3 to 4.1.times.10.sup.-1 J/cm.sup.3. The apparatus includes first and second spaced apart electrodes of inert material which define a pre-treatment zone between the electrodes and preferably induce turbulence in the stream within the pre-treatment zone.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrogen from anaerobically decomposed organic materials by applying an electric potential to the anaerobically decomposed organic materials, including landfill materials and sewage, to form hydrogen, and for decreasing the time required to treat these anaerobically decomposed organic materials. The organic materials decompose to volatile acids such as acetic acid, which may be hydrolyzed by electric current to form hydrogen. The process may be continuously run in sewage digestion tanks with the continuous feed of sewage, at landfill sites, or at any site having a supply of anaerobically decomposed or decomposable organic materials.

Abstract: Waters contaminated by nitrogenous compounds such as nitrate, ammonium, etc., are treated by electrochemical transformation of the contaminant to nitrogen gas. Electrodes are placed in the contaminated water to form a cell, in which the voltage of one of the electrodes is set to the Eh voltage at which nitrogen gas is thermodynamically favored. The cell may be electrolytic or galvanic.

Abstract: Halogenated organics contaminating soil formations are decomposed by an applied voltage-enhanced Grignard reaction with metallic magnesium, either pure or in alloy form, that has been lowered into the soil formation, in conjunction with hydrolysis of the resulting organomagnesium halide to release the halogen from the starting contaminant. Renewal of the magnesium surface to permit an enhanced decomposition is achieved by connection of the magnesium electrode to an electric potential generator and applying the potential either continuously or in pulse-wise manner, preferably repeatedly reversing the applied potential to electrochemically clean the magnesium-containing electrode surface. Dissolved Cr(VI) is likewise reduced to chromium of lower oxidation states and thus rendered less toxic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to at least extensively remove organic halogen compounds from water or an aqueous solution, at least one magnesium or aluminum anode (1) and at least one associated electrode (2) operating as the cathode dipping into the water. The present invention also concerns equipment with which to implement the method of the invention. Both the method of the invention and the equipment of the invention are preferentially used when disinfecting water with chlorine and in particular in swimming pools.

Abstract: Soils are decontaminated in situ by transporting peroxysulfate ions through the soil under the influence of an electric field. The electric field is maintained between one or more anodes and one or more cathodes inserted directly into the contaminated soil and geometrically disposed relative one to the other to take full advantage of a positively biased DC voltage applied between said one or more anodes and one or more cathodes. An aqueous solution of a strong oxidant, either peroxymonosulfate or peroxydisulfate, is added to the contaminated soil. The electric field induces the movement of peroxysulfate ions principally by electromigration and to a lesser extent by electroosmosis. Organic contaminants in the soil are oxidized by the peroxysulfate ions. For very recalcitrant contaminants, electric field-induced heating of the soil produces sulfate radical anions. In most cases the peroxysulfate ions or sulfate radical anions oxidize the contaminants to carbon dioxide and mineral acids.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus using high cerium concentration in the anolyte of an electrochemical cell to oxidize organic materials. The method and apparatus further use an ultrasonic mixer to enhance the oxidation rate of the organic material in the electrochemical cell. A reaction vessel provides an advantage of independent reaction temperature control and electrochemical cell temperature control. A separate or independent reaction vessel may be used without an ultrasonic mixer to oxidize gaseous phase organic materials.

Abstract: CMPO is safely, reliably and rapidly decomposed under mild conditions. A CMPO-containing substance is emulsified in an electrolyte comprising an oxidation promoter (silver ion) by an emulsifier in an emulsifying tank, this electrolyte comprising the CMPO-containing substance is supplied to an anode chamber, and an electrolytic oxidation reaction is performed by passing an electric current. By emulsifying the CMPO-containing substance, the surface area of CMPO in contact with electrolyte is increased, and electrolytic decomposition is thereby promoted. As sufficient CMPO decomposition is not obtained by passing the emulsion only once through an electrolysis tank 1, a batch oxidation method is employed wherein an anolyte is recirculated by a recirculating pump 3a through the anode chamber, a constant temperature bath 7a and an emulsifying tank 6, so that electrolysis is performed with the CMPO-containing substance permanently emulsified in the electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrically regeneratable electrochemical cell (30) for capacitive deionization and electrochemical purification and regeneration of electrodes includes two end plates (31, 32), one at each end of the cell (30). Two end electrodes (35, 36) are arranged one at each end of the cell (30), adjacent to the end plates (31, 32). An insulator layer (33) is interposed between each end plate (31, 32) and the adjacent end electrode (35, 36). Each end electrode (35, 36) includes a single sheet (44) of conductive material having a high specific surface area and sorption capacity. In one embodiment, the sheet (44) of conductive material is formed of carbon aerogel composite. The cell (30) further includes a plurality of generally identical double-sided intermediate electrodes (37-43) that are equidistally separated from each other, between the two end electrodes (35, 36).

Abstract: Electrochemically regenerated RuO.sub.4 (or corresponding oxides of Os, Ir, Rh) is used in the decomposition of matter, especially matter containing organic material. The method has particular advantage in dealing with compounds containing chlorine and, in a development, provides for the removal of heteroatoms N, Cl P, As, S, avoiding contamination with unoxidised organics and/or Ru (or Os, Ir, Rh as the case may be).

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for recovering an organic hydroxide from waste solutions containing the organic hydroxide and impurities including the steps: contacting the waste solution with a metal ion scavenger to remove metal ion impurities; charging the waste solution to an electrochemical cell containing at least two compartments, a cathode, an anode and a divider and passing a current through the cell whereby the organic hydroxide is regenerated; and recovering the organic hydroxide from the cell.

Abstract: A device for destroying by electro-oxidation a photographic solution having at least one photographic developer. The device comprises a) an electro-oxidation unit adapted to degrade the photographic developer into volatile organic compounds and to produce hydrogen and oxygen, b) an expansion reservoir designed to contain the gaseous mixture generated by said electro-oxidation unit; and c) a combustion unit supplied with the gaseous mixture from the expansion reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for electrochemically decreasing the Conradson carbon number of petroleum streams by contacting a Conradson carbon containing petroleum stream and an aqueous electrolysis medium with a low hydrogen overpotential metal cathode at an electric current and pH sufficient to decrease the Conradson carbon of the petroleum stream. The cathode voltage is from 0 V to -3.0 V vs. SCE at a pH of from 7 to 14. The cathode material typically is stainless steel, chromium, copper and nickel.

Abstract: A scrubber and method for precipitating a sulfide in water which contains hydrogen sulfide or a mercaptan. The scrubber includes a sacrificial first metal anode and a second metal cathode which are in physical and electrical contact and suspended into the water to form an electrolysis cell of the anode, cathode and the water. The second metal is more noble than the first metal. Preferably the anode is iron and the cathode is stainless steel. When so constituted, the anode forms iron oxide which reacts with sulfur from the hydrogen sulfide or the mercaptan to form an iron sulfide precipitate. The anode and cathode may be coplanar and suspended in the water with a free-moving float which facilitates contact of the water with the anode, or may be rods which are tethered and twisted to form a twisted wire pair.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell with a Co(III) mediator and neutral pH anolyte provides efficient destruction of organic and mixed wastes. The organic waste is concentrated in the anolyte reservoir, where the cobalt mediator oxidizes the organics and insoluble radioactive species and is regenerated at the anode until all organics are converted to carbon dioxide and destroyed. The neutral electrolyte is non-corrosive, and thus extends the lifetime of the cell and its components.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell with a Co(III) mediator and nitric acid electrolyte provides efficient destruction of organic and mixed wastes. The organic waste is concentrated in the anolyte reservoir, where the mediator oxidizes the organics and insoluble transuranic compounds and is regenerated at the anode until the organics are converted to CO.sub.2. The nitric acid is an excellent oxidant that facilitates the destruction of the organic components. The anode is not readily attacked by the nitric acid solution, thus the cell can be used for extended continual operation without electrode replacement.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for electrochemically demetallating petroleum streams by contacting a hydrocarbon-soluble metals containing petroleum stream and an aqueous electrolysis medium with a low hydrogen overpotential metal cathode at an electric current and pH sufficient to demetallate the petroleum stream. The cathode voltage is from 0 V to -3.0 V vs. SCE at a pH of from 7 to 14. The cathode material typically is stainless steel, chromium, copper and nickel.

Abstract: A radioactive waste stream (12) is of high pH and contains a wide variety of different fission products and also organic materials which act as complexants. Technetium and/or ruthenium are removed by first electrolytically oxidising the organic materials at an anodically stable anode (26), and then electrolytically reducing the technetium and/or ruthenium at a porous fluid-permeable cathode (42). The cathode (42) might for example be of lead wool.

Abstract: A highly conductive polymer is obtained by electrochemically oxidizing a polysilane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use for dissociating materials includes a power supply, high energy capacitor, high energy trigger device and an probe and reactor arrangement for treating both solid and medium/media materials. A near instantaneous discharge of the electrical charge stored in the capacitor via the probe can be used to dissociate the material, either medium/media or solid, for a desired result. Hazardous materials can be treated to be rendered non-hazardous, rocks or other solid material can be treated for reduction in size, plant seeds can be treated to enhance plant growth surfaces of granular material can be scored or thermally polished and milk, juices and blood could be treated for sterilization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing pollutants in the exhaust gases produced from the combustion of a fuel by introducing hydroxyl and associated radicals and oxidizers into at least one of the precombustion and postcombustion gas stream of the combustion engine upstream of the catalytic converter and treating the exhaust gases with the catalytic converter.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for electrochemically remediating soil, clay or other media contaminated with organic pollutants using Fenton's Reagent. In the methods, anodes and cathodes are provided in wells formed in the contaminated medium. Anolyte and catholyte solutions are circulated to deliver iron ions to anodes and to deliver peroxide ions to cathodes in the medium. A potential difference is applied across the medium to cause the peroxide ions and iron ions to migrate toward each other and through the medium. The organic contaminants are destroyed in the medium in reactions with the peroxide ions and iron ions. The physicochemical condition of the electrolyte(s) is monitored and adjusted as necessary to control pH and to permit recycling of the electrolyte to the electrodes. Alternatively, peroxide ion can be generated in situ using an air depolarized cathode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating and removing ionizable components dissolved in fluids, such as for example, water, by separating said ionizable substances into fractions by the action of electric current and of Coriolis force. Liquid containing ionizable components is continuously fed in and the purified solvent and the solute in a concentrated solution are continuously removed while the liquid is rotated. Compound centrifugal force or Coriolis force causes the concentrated solution to move to a location where it can be effectively and continuously removed as well as causes the depleted liquid to move to a separate location where it also can be effectively and continuously removed. The invention can operate in several modes, the modes being electrolytic and electrostatic. The invention allows for almost universal application to removal of ionizable components and provides a cost effective and energy efficient continuous process to do so.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of decreasing the metals content of metal containing petroleum streams by forming a mixture of the petroleum fraction containing those metals and an aqueous electrolysis medium containing electron transfer agent, and passing an electric current through the mixture or through the pretreated aqueous electrolysis medium at a voltage, sufficient to remove the metals such as Ni, V and Fe from the stream (i.e. to produce a petroleum fraction having decreased content of the metals). The cathodic voltage is from 0 V to -3.0 V vs. SCE. The invention provides a method for enhancing the value of petroleum feeds that traditionally have limited use in refineries due to their metals, e.g., Ni and V content.

Abstract: Decomposition of waste and particularly organic waste matter is carried out in an electrochemical cell (11) in which the electrolyte comprises nitric acid containing silver ions as an electrochemically regenerable primary oxidizing species. A separation plant (34) for continuously or periodically withdrawing anolyte is operated to remove or reduce contamination of the anolyte with anions of or containing phosphorus, sulphur, nitrogen or halogens.

Abstract: The casing metal of, for example, a munition containing organic materials is removed or at least perforated by anodic dissolution in a chamber (16) fabricated to contain the explosion should the munition detonate. The contents are then exposed to reaction with anolyte from a plant (17), the anolyte comprising nitric acid and electrochemically regenerable silver II ions.

Abstract: An oxidation process for regeneration and closed loop recycling of cleaning solutions contaminated with used surfactants, fats, oils, greases, and inorganic and organic contaminants converts the contaminated cleaning solution into a reusable cleaning solution containing useful polar water soluble surfactants, detergents, wetting agents and emulsifiers. The contaminated cleaning solution is mixed with a stoichiometrically limited amount of an ozone containing gas. The reaction with ozone containing gas is carried out in a mixed vapor state (a gas/liquid mist). Fats, oils, greases and organic contaminants are converted into useful polar water soluble surfactants, detergents, wetting agents and emulsifiers. The regenerated cleaning solution has a cleaning strength at least as great as the strength of the original cleaning solution prior to contamination. The regenerated cleaning solution is reused as the cleaning solution in the original cleaning process from which the contaminated cleaner was obtained.

Abstract: Ionizable or polarizable, carrier-free radionuclides may be separated by electrofixation, from a low electric conductivity liquid target material in a flow cell fitted with a permanent electrode arrangement. The target liquid is separated while the fixing voltage is maintained; then the fixed radionuclide is removed again from the electrode, if required by heating, after switching off or reversing the poles of the field, after an optional intermediate rinsing.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a housing (10) defining a housing cavity (18) and at least one connector (15) for connecting the housing to an irrigation conduit (26) so that the housing cavity (18) is exposed to irrigation water flowing through the irrigation conduit (26). A first electrode (13) is positioned within the housing cavity (18) and is made from a growth inhibiting metal. A second electrode (14) is electrically isolated from the first electrode (13) and includes a surface exposed within the housing cavity (18) in a spaced apart relationship with respect to the first electrode (13). A voltage source (30) is connected to the first electrode (13) and to the second electrode (14) for applying an electric potential across the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell (20) which is effectively leakproof and can be incorporated into an easily serviceable cell pack (80). Within the cell are a plurality of parallel electrode plates (44, 46, 56) which act as anode and cathode reaction surfaces for processing chemicals. The electrochemical cell housing (33) is preferably formed of durable plastic with all fluid inlets (36, 38) and outlets (40, 42) on its upper face (30). One or more input manifolds (48, 50) are provided to route process chemicals to the bottom of the cell and then distribute them upward across the electrode plates. The housing is formed as a one-piece, monolithic structure with an opening left on top for fitting the top face. At the end of cell assembly, the top face is attached to the remainder of the cell housing so as to form a sealed cell.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for the treatment by electrolysis of used photographic solutions containing developers in an electrolytic cell comprising at least one platinum anode. The invention enables the corrosion of the platinum anode to be minimized by using an efficient quantity of antifoaming agent and keeping the pH constant at a value equal to or above 10.5 at the beginning of electrolysis. The invention enables the quantity of platinum coming from the anode in solution to be reduced.

Abstract: A method of separating a material from a liquid sample comprising:providing a system for material separation having a stationary phase having a metalloporphyrin coordination compound or a metallophthalocyanine coordination compound or a mixture thereof;oxidizing or reducing the coordination compound, respectively, to an oxidized or reduced state at which the material will bind to the compound;applying a source of electric potential to the system; andcontacting the oxidized or reduced coordination compound with a liquid sample containing the material under conditions effective to separate the material from the liquid.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus using high cerium concentration in the anolyte of an electrochemical cell to oxidize organic materials. The method and apparatus further use an ultrasonic mixer to enhance the oxidation rate of the organic material in the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: Improvements on the electrolytic reactor and process of U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,816 and copending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/400,950, filed Mar. 9, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,742, are disclosed for the controlled oxidation and reduction of inorganic and organic species in dilute aqueous solutions. More specifically, other physical forms and additives for the modified ion exchange material can be used in the packed bed electrolytic reactor, including powdered ion exchange materials and solid membranes containing the modified ion exchange materials. Direct contact with only one electrode, the anode for oxidation, and the cathode for reduction, is required for the modified ion exchange resin, instead of with both electrodes. Superior performance is also demonstrated for bipolar operation of the electrolytic reactor in comparison to monopolar operation. Preferably, the polarity of the electrodes is reversed every 1 to 60 minutes.

Abstract: A process of remediation of cationic heavy metal contamination from soil utilizes gas phase manipulation to inhibit biodegradation of a chelating agent that is used in an electrokinesis process to remove the contamination, and further gas phase manipulation to stimulate biodegradation of the chelating agent after the contamination has been removed. The process ensures that the chelating agent is not attacked by bioorganisms in the soil prior to removal of the contamination, and that the chelating agent does not remain as a new contaminant after the process is completed.

Abstract: A method of electrochemically patterning a surface comprises providing an electrolyte overlying the surface and an array of electrodes adjacent the surface and in contact with the electrolyte, and altering the potential of one or more electrodes of the array so as to deposit or remove or chemically modify a substance on the surface adjacent the electrode. Several such treatments can be performed in sequence, using different electrodes of the array. The method is particularly suitable for step-wise chemical synthesis e.g. of oligonucleotides or other oligomers tethered to the surface. Electrode arrays for use in the method are also claimed.

Abstract: A process is described for electrochemically "collecting" certain organic compounds from aqueous solutions in an immobilized and concentrated manner conducive to subsequent destruction. The method is applicable for organic compounds amenable to electrochemical coupling, e.g. by condensation. The method involves the electrochemical reaction of the organic compounds to form substantially water insoluble coupling products in the form of deposits or films on the working electrode surface. This method has the advantage of greatly concentrating and immobilizing the organic compounds on the surface of the working electrode. The immobilization of the organics allows the material to be transferred to a different environment or allows the environment to be changed to facilitate destruction of the organics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ion analysis by ion chromatography uses periodic electrolytic regeneration of a packed bed suppressor. First and second sets of columns, suppressors and detectors connected in series are linked by appropriate valving so that the effluent from the second suppressor can be passed to the first suppressor to be used in the electrolytic regeneration of the first suppressor after detection of analyte in the second detector.

Abstract: A liquid decontamination method and apparatus uses a series of pulsed electrical arcs across electrodes placed within a liquid stream which passes through a decontamination module. Sufficient energy is delivered by a pulse generator to the electrodes whereby lethal ultraviolet radiation and mechanical shock waves are created by the arcs within the decontamination module. A plurality of modules can be operated in parallel or in series to vary the capacity of the apparatus. Gas is injected through one of the electrodes to facilitate the generation of arcs within the liquid.

Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide is produced by a process which uses as catalyst a polymer which has anthraquinone/anthrahydroquinone groups attached to it, and which exhibits differential solubility in water. The polymer is water soluble under one set of conditions, e.g. temperature range, but insoluble under another set of such conditions. Accordingly, the polymer bound anthrahydroquinone groups are oxidized in aqueous solution to form anthraquinone groups and hydrogen peroxide, which dissolves in the aqueous medium. Then the conditions, e.g. temperature, are changed to precipitate the polymer, which can readily be separated off, ready for re-use.

Abstract: A solution composed of a chelating solution and/or an organic acid is applied to radioactive metals to form a radioactive metal solution. The metal solution is increased in its electrical conductivity by addition of an alkaline agent, followed by electrolysis by an electrolyzer to thereby convert metal ions in the metal solution to hydroxides of low solubility and to separate the hydroxides as a filter cake by subsequent filtration. The filtrate is irradiated with ultraviolet rays for further decomposition of remaining organic matter and then filtered by a device using reverse osmosis. The resultant filtrate is recycled as clean water for use for a chelating solution and electrolytic solution, or is discharged. The metal ions precipitated by treatment with the alkaline agent prior to electrolysis as matter of low solubility is separated from the filtrate which is thereafter electrolyzed.

Abstract: Methods for reversibly associating a substrate compound and a solid support are described. In general, the methods feature the use of selectively chargeable moieties. Apparatus for use with the methods of the invention is also described.

Abstract: A method for forming synthetic crystals of proteins in a carrier fluid by use of the dipole moments of protein macromolecules that self-align in the Helmholtz layer adjacent to an electrode. The voltage gradients of such layers easily exceed 10.sup.6 V/m. The synthetic protein crystals are subjected to x-ray crystallography to determine the conformational structure of the protein involved.