SCOPE
Hydrogen production
Maturity Level
TRL 4
Development Level
Prototype
Protection Level
Patent
Graphene-enabled electrochemical water treatment
Entity:
Graphene sponge electrodes, developed and patented within the ERC StG ELECTRON4WATER, enable electrochemical degradation of persistent organic contaminants (e.g., per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS) and are at the same time electrochemically inert towards chloride ions. This enables their application as anode material in brackish streams without forming toxic chlorine species (e.g., chlorine, chlorate, perchlorate). The material developed can serve as anode for seawater electrolysis in hydrogen electrolyzers. This work has been largely financed through the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant ELECTRON4WATER (2017-2023) and Proof of Concept Grant GRAPHEC (2023-2024). The technology is currently at TRL 4 and will be brought to TRL 6 in the European Innovation Council (EIC) Transition Grant FOREVER WATER (2025-2028).
Challenges met
PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, cannot be destroyed by the available advanced (waste)water treatment tecnologies. Our technology enables for the first time complete destruction of PFAS at ambient temperature and pressure, without adding chemicals and without producing toxic chlorinated byproducts. Graphene sponge electrode has two orders of magnitude lower cost compared with commercial anodes, and its three-dimensional geometry enhances the energy efficiency of the system.
Scope of application
Electrochemical production of H2, co-electrolysis
Main publications
- N. Duinslaeger, A. Doni, J. Radjenovic. 2023. Impact of supporting electrolyte on electrochemical performance of borophene-functionalized graphene sponge anode and degradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Water Res 242, 120232.
- L. Baptista-Pires, G.-F. Norra, J. Radjenovic. 2021. Graphene-based sponges for electrochemical degradation of persistent organic contaminants. Water Res 203:117492.
Related projects
- ELECTRON4WATER (ERC StG, 2017-2023, 1.5 M €), GRAPHEC (ERC PoC, 150 k €, 2023-2024), ElectroPoly (Producte, Knowledge Industry Programme, 2025-2026, 150 k €), FOREVER WATER (EIC Transition Grant, 2.5 M €, 2025-2028)
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