Electroxidation: The Science Behind Effective Water Treatment

What is Electroxidation?

Electroxidation is a cutting-edge water treatment method that leverages electricity and specialized electrodes to eliminate persistent contaminants from water. Unlike conventional treatment methods that rely on chemical additives or biological processes, electroxidation operates without them, and can be precisely controlled and optimized.

How Does Electroxidation Decompose Contaminants?

At its core, electroxidation uses an electrochemical cell consisting of an anode (positively charged electrode) and a cathode (negatively charged electrode) immersed in the water being treated. When electrical current passes through this system, it triggers a series of oxidation reactions at the anode surface, generating powerful oxidizing species such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and active chlorine species.

•OH Radicals are particularly effective as they possess an oxidation potential of 2.8V—second only to fluorine among all chemical oxidants. These highly reactive species move from the electrode surface into the water, where they interact with the organic pollutants by first fragmenting and then mineralizing them completely. Electrooxidation can effectively eliminate a wide range of organic contaminants, including dyes, surfactants, microplastics, PFAS, and pesticides—essentially any contaminant with a carbon backbone. Common by products of this process are tiny amounts of water, nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas.

This complete mineralization capability makes electroxidation extremely effective for destroying persistent organic pollutants, rather than merely transferring them to another phase as is the case with adsorption or membrane filtration.

Viridis' Approach to Electroxidation

The effectiveness of electroxidation depends on a few key factors: electrode material, water chemistry and electric current density. Higher current densities generally increase oxidation rates but must be balanced with energy consumption considerations. Parameters such as pH, temperature, and conductivity influence the efficiency of the oxidation process as well.

At Viridis, our mission is to to deliver the world's most efficient electroxidation reactors. Our holistic approach integrates deep expertise across multiple disciplines to create truly transformative water treatment solutions.

Viridis' Bench Scale System Demonstrating The Elimination of Methylene Blue Dye

Our water chemistry specialists have a comprehensive understanding of contaminant behavior and reaction mechanisms, allowing us to optimize treatment for specific pollutants and wastewater profiles. Our materials science team combines theoretical knowledge with practical innovation, developing advanced electrode compositions and structures that maximize performance while extending the operational lifespan. Complementing these scientific foundations, our engineering team builds robust industrial systems, addressing real-world challenges of scalability, integration, and operational reliability.

This convergence of specialized knowledge enables us to deliver electrooxidation solutions that outperform conventional treatment methods while meeting the demands of industrial applications.

We invite you to continue following our blog series as we delve deeper into specific applications and innovations that are making electrooxidation an essential technology for forward-thinking water management.