Abstract:
Materials for binding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are disclosed. A fluidic device comprising the materials for detection and quantification of PFAS in a sample is disclosed. The fluidic device may be configured for multiplexed analyses. Also disclosed are methods for sorbing and remediating PFAS in a sample. The sample may be groundwater containing, or suspected of containing, one or more PFAS.
Abstract:
The subject invention provides a potentially economically viable process for the destruction of small to large quantities of sulfur and nitrogen mustards and lewisite, their homologous/analogues, and similar chemical warfare agents at ambient conditions without producing any toxic by-products. The process uses the superoxide ion that is either electrochemically generated by the reduction of oxygen in ionic liquids or chemically by dissolving Group 1 (alkali metals) or Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) superoxides, e.g. potassium superoxide, in ionic liquids.
Abstract:
A process and an apparatus for electrochemical decomposition of sodium azide in aqueous alkaline solutions form sodium hydroxide, ammonia, nitrogen, and oxygen. The apparatus contains five major parts, which are (1) an electrolyzer which contains one or more cell units, (2) a rectifier which supplies D.C. electrical current to the electrolyzer, (3) a tank which holds the electrolyte (containing sodium hydroxide and sodium azide) needed to be processed in the electrolyzer, (4) a vacuum which can remove off gases generated by electrolysis in the electrolyzer, and (5) a recovery system which can further separate off gases. It is optional to add a pump in between the tank and the electrolyzer to be used for filling, mechanical agitation, or recycle. The process includes (1) transferring the aqueous solution containing the sodium azide to the electrolyzer, (2) subjecting the aqueous solution to electrolytic action to decompose the sodium azide and to generate off gases including nitrogen, oxygen, and ammonia, and (3) removing off gases. The off gases can also be removed by vacuum and recovered separately in a recovery system.
Abstract:
Potentially hazardous compositions containing solid combustible fuels, oxidants, nitro-containing, nitramine-containing or nitrato-containing compounds and, in many cases, binders are desensitized by electrolysis at low current and over an extended period of time. According to one disclosed method, compositions containing binders are first oxidized at the anode to cause decomposition and swelling of the binder, followed by further oxidation of the remaining components of the composition or switching of the polarity to cause reduction, as needed. According to another disclosed method, the composition is retained in a reaction vessel separate from the electrolysis cell, and the aqueous leachant from the composition is circulated in two portions through the two halves of the electrolysis cell to form strong oxidizing and reducing reagents, respectively, which are then circulated in succession through the reaction vessel to decompose the composition. In either case, the resulting composition has a lowered sensitivity to initiation by such external influences as inadvertent impact or inadvertent electrostatic discharge.
Abstract:
A saturated solution of an alkaline earth or alkali metal halide salt is electrolyzed in a flowing mercury cathode electrolysis cell. The amalgam is added dropwise to a solution of dichlorodifluoromethane in a solution of a polar, aprotic solvent, not reducible by such amalgams. The solvent contains inhibitors of polymerization, and may contain a promoting salt of lithium or the "onium" type. Tetrafluoroethylene and unreacted dichlorodifluoromethane gases are evolved, and separated by condensing the dichlorodifluoromethane. The polar, aprotic solvent is removed from the reaction and evaporated, crystallizing the chloride salt of the alkaline earth or alkali metal. This salt is combined with the anolyte of the mercury cell to form brine. The spent mercury from the dechlorination and dimerization is also recycled to the mercury cell. The polar, aprotic solvent is condensed, and mixed with the condensed unreacted dichlorodifluoromethane for further dechlorination and dimerization. The tetrafluoroethylene gas is polymerized in aqueous media, under heat and pressure to form polytetrafluoroethylene.
Abstract:
A method for detecting and destroying various chlorinated hydrocarbons and unsaturated hydrocarbons in the environment using electrochemical techniques has been invented. By concentrating the chlorinated hydrocarbons or unsaturated hydrocarbons in a solvent by liquid-solid or liquid-liquid extraction, and then passing current through the solvent extractant containing the chlorinated hydrocarbons or unsaturated hydrocarbons electrochemically removes chlorine and oxidizes unsaturated hydrocarbons. The potential is measured to correlate to the concentration of the chlorinated hydrocarbon specie.
Abstract:
An electrochemical process and system for dehalogenating halogenated hydrocarbons. The process facilitates on-site processing and transformation of waste oils, PCB oils in electrical transformers and chlorinated solvents to salts. The system includes a two-piece tubular structure including an electrical insulating member, an electrode member having perforations leading into a hollow vessel portion. The process includes, by example, reacting the halogenated hydrocarbon compound with at least one metal hydroxide selected from a metallic hydroxide group consisting of sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, zinc hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide in the presence of an alcohol selected from an alcohol group consisting of methanol, ethanol, or isopropanol. The tubular structure is inserted into the container and energized by applying a voltage to the electrode member. The electrochemical reaction results in producing an electrolyte salt solution containing metallic cations and halogen anions which migrate into the hollow vessel portion where the migrated halogen ions are trapped. Upon completion of the reaction, the probe with the trapped halogen is removed from the container and the trapped halogen disposed. The process is repeated until the concentration level of halogen is at, or below, a predetermined acceptable concentrations level. The process has particular utility for on-site treatment of hazardous waste material in 55 gallon drums and facilitates recycling of existing stored hazardous material.
Abstract:
Mercury and mercury-containing compounds can be removed from soil, sand, and similar materials by a remediation method in which the contaminated material is treated with an aqueous composition comprising an oxidant, such as iodine, and a complexing or solubilizing agent, such as potassium iodide, the liquid and solid phases are separated, and further processed as needed.
Abstract:
A system for decomposing aromatic hydrocarbons, such as furans, dioxins and PCBs, uses a glow discharge device as an electrochemical reactor. A gas, containing an aromatic hydrocarbon, is supplied at approximately atmospheric pressure to the glow discharge device which includes a pair of electrodes separated by a gap. The gas flows through the gap between the electrodes, one of which is preferably a planar electrode and the other of which is preferably a plurality of pins arranged perpendicular to the planar electrode. The electrodes are connected to a direct current power source via a ballast. The electrical potential across the electrodes is adjusted in conjunction with the flow rate to provide sufficient energy to break the benzene rings in the aromatic hydrocarbon, while preventing arcing across the electrodes.
Abstract:
Materials for binding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are disclosed. A fluidic device comprising the materials for detection and quantification of PFAS in a sample is disclosed. The fluidic device may be configured for multiplexed analyses. Also disclosed are methods for sorbing and remediating PFAS in a sample. The sample may be groundwater containing, or suspected of containing, one or more PFAS.