Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: A Portable Microreactor System to Synthesize Hydrogen Peroxide
EPA Contract Number: EPD09035Title: 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:
Hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) is an effective and well-studied decontaminant for vehicles or buildings contaminated by hazardous chemical or biological materials. Unfortunately, the current technology for generating HPV requires 35 wt.% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a precursor, which is dangerous and cumbersome to transport and is classified by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as both a Class 5.1 Hazard (oxidizer) and a Class 8 Hazard (corrosive). Although 35 wt.% hydrogen peroxide is normally stable, if the temperature becomes elevated, or if the container becomes contaminated, it can quickly decompose, releasing large amounts of oxygen.
TDA Research, Inc. (TDA), is developing 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 byproducts that are difficult to dispose. This system will enable on-site H2O2 generation, generating a 35 wt.% 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, textile bleaching, mining/metallurgy, electronics (semiconductors), and propulsion. H2O2 also is finding increased use in keeping hospital interiors safe. The system and the materials developed in this work also will provide cost-effective H2O2 to the U.S. chemical and manufacturing industries.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
In the Phase I project, TDA demonstrated the technical feasibility of using nanocatalysts in a microreactor for direct synthesis of H2O2. The catalysts developed in Phase I showed a very high activity and selectivity.
Conclusions:
In Phase II, TDA will build and test a prototype microreactor unit for H2O2 synthesis.
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 industrySBIR Phase II:
A Portable Microreactor System to Synthesize Hydrogen Peroxide | Final ReportThe 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.