3 D –on line TOC

„Development and testing of an innovative on-line TOC (Total Organic Carbon) analyzer based on 3 D diamond electrode technology“

Subproject Institute of Water Chemistry

„Development of an innovative electrochemical oxidation process based on 3 D diamond electrode technology for the on-line determination of the TOC in particle containing (waste) water“

Project manager:        Prof. Dr. Stefan Stolte
Co-worker:                  M. Sc. R. Fiskal, Dr. T. Dittmar, Dr. V. Schmalz, M.Sc. S. Eberle
Funding:                      AiF (ZIM) FKZ: KK505030BR0
Duration:                     03/2021 - 02/2023

Project partner: ECH Elektrochemie Halle GmbH (https://www.ech.de)

The continuous on-site analysis of the summary parameter TOC is becoming more and more important in the field of environmental monitoring. At present, commercially available on-line TOC analyzers are based on thermocatalytic and wet chemical oxidation. High operating and investment costs are limiting their widespread application. In order to close this market gap, a robust and energy-efficient on-line TOC analyzer for reliable, autonomous on-site application will be developed and tested. This innovative analytical device should be operated at normal temperature and without the use of external chemicals (e. g catalysts, carrier gases, etc.). Through the development of three-dimensional (3D) diamond electrodes and their optimized application, an in-situ formation of OH radicals should take place in the immediate vicinity of the organic reaction partners of the sample and thus minimize or avoid the previously existing transport limitation of the electrochemical oxidation. Finally, with the help of two long-term test campaigns under practical conditions, an extensive process validation of the newly developed on-line TOC analyzer will be implemented.