Patent ID: 9440866
Filing Date: 2016-09-13
CPC Classification: C02F,C25B,Y02E

Claim Text:
1. A method for the energy efficient treatment of polluted wastewater comprising: providing a solid polymer electrolyte electrolytic cell comprising an anode comprising an anode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer comprising an anode catalyst, a cathode comprising a cathode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer comprising a cathode catalyst wherein the cathode is liquid-electrolyte free, and a solid polymer membrane electrolyte separating the anode and the cathode; supplying a flow of wastewater comprising a pollutant to the anode of the electrochemical cell; providing a voltage less than about 3 volts across the electrolytic cell wherein the anode is positive with respect to the cathode; operating the electrolytic cell at an operating temperature and a current density less than about 20 mA/cm2, thereby degrading the pollutant and generating hydrogen gas at the cathode; and exhausting the generated hydrogen gas from the cathode.