By: Mimi Martinez
Having wide applications from industrial to domestic uses, from bleaching to wastewater treatment, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is made through processes that include the use, transportation and storage of hazardous chemicals. Researchers have developed a sustainable alternative using solar energy and seawater
Solar energy, seawater, and a visible-light-absorbing material are being combined to produce hypochlorite. [1] Their electrolyser, uses electricity to split the seawater into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolyser also features a specially designed photoanode (designed to initiate electrochemical reactions) that selectively transforms chloride ions in seawater into hypochlorite. This process minimizes electricity consumption and co-generates valuable products like hydrogen.
The photoanode, composed of niobium-oxide-modified bismuth vanadate (NbClOx/BiVO4), optimally directs chloride oxidation, avoiding chlorine gas production. It achieves high efficiency with a 100% Faradaic efficiency, ensuring all electricity used goes into hypochlorite production.
This technology offers a sustainable pathway for hypochlorite production, reducing reliance on hazardous chemicals and enhancing environmental safety. It demonstrates efficient electron transfer and high conversion rates under continuous operation.
