Methods of synthesizing an oxidant and applications thereof

Abstract

Novel devices for synthesizing ferrate and uses thereof are described. One aspect of the invention relates to devices and systems for synthesizing ferrate at a site proximal to the site of use.

1 . A method of continuously synthesizing ferrate, comprising:
 a) mixing an aqueous solution comprising an iron salt and an oxidizing agent in a mixing chamber;   b) delivering at least a portion of the aqueous solution to a reaction chamber;   c) continuously generating ferrate in the reaction chamber;   d) delivering at least a portion of the ferrate to a site of use that is proximal to the reaction chamber; and   e) adding additional aqueous solution to the mixing chamber.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising adding a base to the aqueous solution. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , additionally comprising repeating steps (b) through (d). 
     
     
         4 . A method of treating, at a site of use, an aqueous mixture having at least one impurity, comprising
 a) continuously generating ferrate in a reaction chamber located proximal to the site of use;   b) contacting the ferrate with the aqueous mixture at the site of use,
 whereby at least a portion of the impurity is oxidized or coagulated. 
   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the step of continuously generating ferrate comprises the steps of:
 a) mixing an aqueous solution comprising an iron salt and an oxidizing agent in a mixing chamber;   b) delivering at least a portion of the aqueous solution to a reaction chamber;   c) continuously generating ferrate in the reaction chamber;   d) delivering at least a portion of the ferrate to a site of use that is proximal to the reaction chamber; and   e) adding additional aqueous solution to the mixing chamber.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising adding a base to the aqueous solution. 
     
     
         7 . A device for continuously synthesizing ferrate, comprising:
 a) a reaction chamber comprising two electrodes and a solution of an iron salt, where the electrodes provide sufficient electric current to convert the solution of an iron salt to a solution of ferrate;   b) a holding chamber controllably connected to the reaction chamber, into which the solution of ferrate is kept for a period of time; and   c) an output opening in the holding chamber through which the mixture is adapted to be transported to a site of use,   wherein the site of use is proximal to the holding chamber.   
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the reaction chamber further comprises a mechanical agitator. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the reaction chamber comprises a tube configured to mix the mixture as it passes through the tube. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the reaction chamber further comprises a temperature control device. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 7 , further comprising a pump downstream from the first and the second holding chambers and upstream from the reaction chamber. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 7 , further comprising a pump downstream from the reaction chamber and upstream from the holding chamber. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the holding chamber comprises a tube located between the reaction chamber and the output opening. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the electrodes are connected to a power source. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the power source is an AC power source. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the power source is a DC power source. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein at least one of the electrodes is an iron electrode. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the iron electrode comprises a source of iron for the production of ferrate.