Abstract Forbes magazine in the United States recently reported on an innovative water purification technology developed by a company based in Niklasdorf, Austria. The breakthrough involves a boron-doped diamond electrode that not only purifies water but also disinfects it. This method does not rely on traditional chemicals, making it a promising eco-friendly solution.
The technology uses a special type of diamond electrode that has been enhanced with boron, allowing it to conduct electricity. When an electric current passes through the material, the diamond reacts with water to produce powerful oxidants such as ozone, hydroxyl radicals, and hydrogen peroxide. These substances work together to clean and sterilize water effectively without the need for additional chemicals.
This innovation is being tested in various applications, including drinking water treatment, wastewater management, and rainwater harvesting. In Austria, the largest market for this technology is currently in whirlpool systems, where diamond electrodes are replacing conventional chlorine filters. The technology also shows great potential in the food industry, from cleaning vegetables to sanitizing production equipment in restaurants and farms.
A photo of the boron-doped diamond electrode mounted on a plastic substrate is available below:
Boron-doped diamond electrode on plastic underlayer developed by Professor Aqua
Professor Aqua, the inventor of the technology, earned nearly $564,467 in 2012 alone. The technology is currently licensed to partner companies and is not sold directly to individual consumers. His research, conducted alongside Professor Staber at Leoben University, focuses on using diamond electrodes to improve wastewater disinfection. They discovered that when diamonds are energized, they exhibit unique properties that can break through traditional water treatment methods.
According to Professor Aqua, the cost of diamond electrodes is significantly lower than existing water filtration systems. He also highlighted the challenge of embedding diamond electrodes onto plastic substrates, which required extensive technical development. However, he emphasizes that the industrial-grade diamonds used in the process are mass-produced globally and are not rare or expensive like those used in jewelry. This makes the technology both practical and scalable.
Currently, Professor Aqua is exploring how to use diamond electrode-generated electrolyte water to combat fire blight, a severe bacterial disease affecting fruit trees in Europe. If successful, this application could eliminate the need for antibiotics in agriculture while offering a green alternative. Experiments have already shown promising results in treating infected fruit trees.
Although water purification technology is well-established in Europe, Professor Aqua remains confident about the future of his invention. He sees significant potential in regions like Africa and India, where access to clean water is limited. With its low environmental impact and high efficiency, this diamond-based technology could play a vital role in global water security. (Excerpt from "Profitable Clean Tech: Pro Aqua Cleans Water With Diamonds")
Round LED Explosion-proof Light
Hanghong Lighting (Linyi) Co., Ltd. , https://www.sdhhzm.com