MUMBAI, India, Aug. 31 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641101462 A) filed by Krishna University, Andhra Pradesh on August 21, 2026, for Smart Electrochemical Water Purification System Incorporating Functional Nanocatalysts For Decentralized Rural Applications.
Inventors include K. R. Manjula; and Dr. M. Manoranjani.
The application for the patent was published on August 28, 2026, under issue no. 35/2026.
Abstract: ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION: The present invention relates to a smart electrochemical water purification system incorporating functional nanocatalysts, specifically designed for decentralized rural applications where access to safe drinking water and reliable electricity is limited. The system comprises a multi-zone electrochemical reactor equipped with dimensionally stable electrodes coated with a synergistic combination of functional nanocatalysts including nitrogen- or iron-doped titanium dioxide, graphene-oxide- supported bimetallic nanoparticles (such as Fe–Cu or Fe–Ni), and perovskite-type oxides. These nanocatalysts enable efficient generation of reactive oxygen species under pure electrochemical conditions without external illumination, facilitating simultaneous oxidation of organic pollutants, reduction and immobilization of heavy metals such as arsenic and chromium, and inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms. Contaminated water first undergoes pre-filtration, then enters the electrochemical reactor where controlled current density induces anodic oxidation, cathodic reduction, and intermediate electro-Fenton reactions. A subsequent polishing stage employing functionalized biochar and nano-zero-valent iron composites removes residual contaminants. The entire process is governed by a microcontroller interfaced with multi-parameter sensors (pH, ORP, turbidity, conductivity, residual oxidant, and optional arsenic sensor) that continuously optimize voltage, current, and hydraulic retention time, thereby ensuring treated water quality while minimizing energy use. Power is supplied by a hybrid solar photovoltaic–battery system with maximum power point tracking, enabling fully off-grid operation with specific energy consumption typically below 1.5 kWh/m³. Pilot-scale testing with simulated rural groundwater containing arsenic (150 µg/L), iron, fluoride, organic carbon, and E. coli demonstrated greater than 94 % removal of arsenic and iron, greater than 93 % reduction of total organic carbon, and greater than 4-log inactivation of indicator bacteria. The modular architecture allows scaling from household (50–100 L/day) to community (1000–5000 L/day) capacities. The invention overcomes limitations of prior electrochemical and photocatalytic systems by eliminating the need for continuous chemical dosing or UV illumination, reducing sludge generation, incorporating adaptive intelligent control, and achieving robust multi- contaminant performance under variable rural water quality and intermittent solar availability. The system provides a sustainable, low- maintenance solution for safe drinking water in underserved rural regions.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
