A Discussion on Diamond Electrodes for Water Disinfection Electrolysis.

Abstract

Due to their high stability and outstanding oxidation power doped diamond materials belong to the most fascinating electrodes in applied electrochemistry. During the last years they have aroused interest in the field of disinfection. As typical for chemical and electrochemical disinfection processes, benefit of disinfection has to be opposed to disadvantages of byproduct formation. Predictions with respect to reaction results are difficult. Essential influence factors are the composition of treated water, electrode potential and hydrodynamic conditions near the electrode surface. In waters of low ionic strength containing chloride ions an enlarged risk for chlorate and perchlorate formation can be observed. The paper presents own results and summarizes state of development in the fi eld. Formulation of new test and certification routines is recommended.