Water disinfection using catalysed in situ hydrogen peroxide

Globally, water disinfection is reliant on chlorination, but requires a route that avoids the formation of chemical residues. Hydrogen peroxide, a broad-spectrum biocide, can offer such an alternative, but is typically less effective than traditional approaches to water remediation. We have shown that the reactive oxygen species-which include hydroxyl, hydroperoxyl and superoxide radicals-formed over a AuPd catalyst during the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and air are over 107 times more potent than an equivalent amount of preformed hydrogen peroxide and over 108 times more effective than chlorination under equivalent conditions. The key to bactericidal and virucidal efficacy is the radical flux that forms when hydrogen and oxygen are activated on the catalyst. This approach could form the basis of an alternative method for water disinfection, particularly in communities not currently served by traditional means of water remediation or where access to potable water is scarce. This has been patented and published: T. Richards et al. "A residue-free approach to water disinfection using catalytic in situ generation of reactive oxygen species" Nature Catalysis https://doi.org/10.1038/s41929-021-00642-w
The question to be addressed in this PhD project is how can the effectiveness of the catalyst be improved and optimised?
This will involved detailed innovation in catalyst design involving new formulations. Detailed characterisation using state of the art microscopy and spectroscopy will be a key part. The project is a collaboration between Chemistry and Pharmacy. In chemistry the catalysis will be investigated and the microbicidal efficacy and mechanisms of action will be investigated in Pharmacy.
The project will involve collaboration with Origin Aqua an SME involved in water purification and the overall aim is to replace chlorine as the main method of water disinfection; i.e. replacing a stoichiometric method of disinfection using Cl with a novel catalysed clean and sustainable method.