The invention relates to a bioactive composition for killing cells, comprising at least a first and a second half cell, the half cells being in electrically conductive contact with each other at least by their respective surfaces such that short-circuit elements are generated in the presence of water and oxygen. According to the invention the first half cell comprises at least one semiconductive compound of at least one transition metal element, which exhibits multiple oxidation states and allows a change of the oxidation states by means of catalytically active centers, so that oxygen is reduced and active oxygen species are produced at the first half cell, and wherein the second half cell comprises at least one electrically conductive silver semiconductor which absorbs electrons emitted by the cells or organic material. By means of particles coated with the composition according to the invention, for example, E. coli bacteria can be effectively and reliably killed with both a ruthenium oxide/silver chloride version (a-c) and a ruthenium oxide/silver sulfide version (d-f).

A method for electrochemical disinfection of an aqueous solution, the method comprising the steps of: providing one or more disinfecting cells for retaining an aqueous solution, each disinfecting cell including one or more electrode pairs positioned therein; arranging the one or more disinfecting cells along a flow path, the flow path including an inlet to and an outlet from the one or more disinfecting cells; determining at the one or more disinfecting cells the electrical conductivity, or specific conductance of the aqueous solution; determining from the electrical conductivity, or specific conductance of the aqueous solution a voltage to apply across the one or more electrode pairs at a current sufficient to produce disinfection species therein; and passing the current from the one or more electrode pairs to the aqueous solution to produce a modified aqueous solution.

The invention provides an electrode comprising a substrate and a coating on the substrate. The coating comprises a plurality of layers, including the following layers in sequence moving outwardly from the substrate: a base layer comprising an oxide of a valve metal; a lower layer comprising an oxide of a platinum group metal and/or an oxide of a precious metal; and a mixed oxide primary layer comprising both: (i) an oxide of a platinum group metal and/or an oxide of a precious metal, and (ii) an oxide of a valve metal and/or an oxide of a group 15 metal. The base layer is devoid of any platinum group metal oxide, and the lower layer is devoid of any valve metal oxide. The present invention also provides methods of manufacturing such electrodes. Also provide are methods of using an electrochemical cell equipped with a certain multilayer coated electrode.

A water-disinfecting apparatus includes a vessel with a cathode, an insert with a photoanode, an ultraviolet light source configured to be positioned in the insert, and a power source. The cathode forms an electrically conductive layer on an inner surface of the vessel. The photoanode is configured to be positioned in the cathode. The power source is configured to be operably coupled to the cathode, the photoanode, and the light source.

A novel cell for generating ozonated water, the cell comprises a nafion membrane separating a diamond coated anode, and a gold surfaced cathode enclosed within a cell housing with the catalyst side of the nafion membrane facing the cathode. The cell housing has a cathode housing portion and an anode housing portion separated by the membrane, each housing portion having ridges to enhance substantially even flow of fluid over the cathode and anode. The housing portions contain O-rings in grooves to prevent leaks, and alignment features to keep the electrodes aligned. The cathode and anode have an array of holes allowing fluid to penetrate to the surface of the niobium membrane. Input ports allow fluid to flow into the housing and over the anode and cathode and then out of the housing through outlet ports. The housing may also incorporate an integrated spectral photometer including a bubble trap.

An efficient, cost-effective, and efficacious technique for removing coal ash and other pollutants from waterways, ponds, marshes, holding tanks and other water sources and supplies. An apparatus comprising an open cage including electromagnets and/or permanent magnets and/or electrodes is supplied with electrical power to extract materials such as rare earth elements and/or heavy metals. The materials levitate to the surface, forming a shiny while leaving water substantially free of such materials.

An oxygen evolution reaction catalyst is a ternary metal oxide that includes Mn and is represented by Mn.sub.uSb.sub.vO.sub.w in the rutile crystal phase and M.sub.xMn.sub.yO.sub.z where M is selected from the group consisting of Ca, Ni, Sr, Zn, Mg, Ni, Ba, Co and where u/(u+v) is greater than 33%.

A three-dimensional electrode-ozone oxidation-electrocatalytic membrane coupled wastewater treatment device, including a circulating fluidized bed reactor. The circulating fluidized bed reactor includes a funnel-shaped internal, a truncated cone, a fiber ball filter, a gas-liquid distribution plate, an inner cylinder, an intermediate cylinder and an outer cylinder. The inner cylinder, the intermediate cylinder and the outer cylinder are coaxial. The inner cylinder is an electrocatalytic membrane assembly; the intermediate cylinder is a gas diffusion electrode; and the outer cylinder is a stainless-steel mesh. A particle electrode is filled between the intermediate cylinder and the outer cylinder, and between the intermediate cylinder and the inner cylinder. The intermediate cylinder is connected to a negative electrode. The inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are connected to a positive electrode. A wastewater treatment method using the device is also provided herein.

An electrode suitable as chlorine-evolving anode in electrolytic cells and a method for obtaining thereof is provided. The electrode has a metal substrate coated with a catalytic composition made of thin layers based on oxides of tin, iridium and ruthenium and combines excellent characteristics of anodic potential and selectivity with respect to the reaction of chlorine evolution without resorting to the use of dopants such as platinum and palladium.

The invention relates to an electrode suitable for electrolytic treatments of dilute solutions of sodium chloride even at low temperatures. The electrode can be used in the generation of active chlorine-based biocidal agents in ballast water for marine applications. The electrode has a titanium substrate, an inner catalytic coating containing oxides of tantalum, ruthenium and iridium, and an outer catalytic coating containing oxides of titanium, ruthenium and of at least one of nickel, iron and cobalt.