Recent progress in electrochemical synthesis of hypochlorite and its future outlook

Abstract

Disinfection plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of drinking water during treatment. Sodium hypochlorite disinfection, a method that has been demonstrated to be both cost-effective and safe, exhibits considerable promise for widespread implementation when compared to alternative methods. Electrochemical synthesis of sodium hypochlorite solution has emerged as a preferred alternative to traditional chemical methods due to its numerous advantages, including high current efficiency, low energy consumption, ease of operation, accessible raw materials, high purity, and controllable safety. Nevertheless, the instability of the reaction in the electrochemical synthesis process poses a significant challenge to its broader implementation. This study explores the underlying principles of electrochemical synthesis for sodium hypochlorite solution and investigates the impact of various conditions on electrolysis efficiency. The objective of this study is to ascertain the most optimal electrolysis conditions. The study also examines various electrode materials for the anode and cathode, and it summarizes typical strategies for enhancing electrode performance. Furthermore, the study investigates the factors influencing the stability of sodium hypochlorite solution to enable precise regulation of its efficacy, thereby promoting the advancement of electrochemical synthesis technology for sodium hypochlorite solution.