Nornickel introduces palladium for water disinfection using innovative technology

Water in swimming pools is usually treated using sodium hypochlorite, a widely used disinfecting and bleaching agent. Today, the technology of water electrolysis with the addition of simple table salt, or sodium chloride, is becoming increasingly promising. Electrodes for this process are made of titanium alloys or other metals, and a catalytic layer of platinum group metals is applied to their surface. This layer accelerates the transformation of sodium chloride from table salt into hypochlorite.

Nornickel, together with partners, is developing a new composition of a palladium-based catalytic layer for application to electrodes. Palladium possesses a unique set of properties, such as catalytic activity to accelerate the target electrochemical reaction. Researchers see a possibility of synergistic effect of catalytic properties with other platinum group metals and increasing the service life of palladium-based catalytic coating.

Electrochemical technology of water disinfection is favorable because there is no need to transport and store large stocks of sodium hypochlorite. The disinfectant is formed right on site and in exactly the right amount.

Nornickel, together with partners, is developing a new composition of a palladium-based catalytic layer for application to electrodes. Palladium possesses a unique set of properties, such as catalytic activity to accelerate the target electrochemical reaction. Researchers see a possibility of synergistic effect of catalytic properties with other platinum group metals and increasing the service life of palladium-based catalytic coating.

Electrochemical technology of water disinfection is favorable because there is no need to transport and store large stocks of sodium hypochlorite. The disinfectant is formed right on site and in exactly the right amount.

The company plans to complete the development phase of the palladium catalyst by the end of 2023, after which the catalyst will be field-tested.

According to preliminary estimates, the use of palladium catalysts in Russia will require a relatively small amount of metal. However, despite the high cost of palladium compared to other catalytic materials, the process will prove to be more economical and profitable due to higher water treatment rates and, in the long term, the possibility of deeper treatment. Moreover, the use of palladium catalysts is a more environmentally friendly solution.