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Grantee Research Project Results

A Portable Microreactor System to Synthesize Hydrogen Peroxide

EPA Contract Number: EPD09035
Title: A Portable Microreactor System to Synthesize Hydrogen Peroxide
Investigators: Jayaraman, Ambal
Small Business: TDA Research Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: February 1, 2009 through September 15, 2009
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2009) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Homeland Security , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Description:

In the event that vehicles of buildings become contaminated by hazardous chemical or biological materials, a well-studied and effective decontaminant is hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV).  Unfortunately, the current technology for generating HPV requires 35 weight percent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a precursor, which is dangerous and cumbersome to transport and is classified by the Department of Transportation as a Class 5.1 Hazard (oxidizer) and a Class 8 Hazard (corrosive).  While 35 weight percent hydrogen peroxide is normally stable, if the temperature becomes elevated or the container becomes contaminated, it can quickly decompose.

TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) proposes a compact portable system that will generate liquid H2O2 on-site, eliminating all problems related to its transport and storage.  TDA’s portable system will only require water, air, and electricity (resources that are readily available at any application site) and will not generate any hazardous by-products that are difficult to dispose.

Results:
Successful completion of Phase I will result in the demonstration of the feasibility of the portable H2O2 generation system and show its economic viability.  In Phase II, TDA will build and test a full-scale prototype unit.

Potential Commercial Applications:
This system will enable on-site H2O2 generation, generating a 35 weight percent solution that can be used to decontaminate the interiors of vehicles and buildings.  H2O2 is a strong, nonpolluting oxidizing agent, with broad applications in pulp/paper bleaching, water/waste and effluent treatment, chemical synthesis, propulsion, and is also finding increased use in keeping hospital interiors safe.  The system and the materials developed in this work will also provide cost-effective H2O2 to U.S. chemical and manufacturing industries.

Supplemental Keywords:

small business, SBIR, EPA, chemical agent, biological agent, decontamination, hydrogen peroxide generation, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide vapor, HPV, H2O2, portable, microreactor system, compact, vehicle decontamination, building decontamination, oxidizing agent, pulp bleaching, paper bleaching, water treatment, waste treatment, effluent treatment, chemical synthesis, propulsion, hospital, cost-effective, chemical industry, manufacturing industry,

Progress and Final Reports:

  • Final Report
  • SBIR Phase II:

    A Portable Microreactor System to Synthesize Hydrogen Peroxide  | Final Report

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    The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

    Project Research Results

    • Final Report
    • SBIR Phase II | Final Report

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    Last updated April 28, 2023
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