Electrochemistry Gives New Spark to Pollution Prevention

摘要

New processes using electrochemistry aim to avoid the generation and use of problem compounds, like some halogens, and to ease pollution abatement efforts. "Traditionally, electrochemical technologies have been associated with a number of industrial processes in the metals industry including, electrowinning and electroplating of chrome, nickel, copper, and other metals, chlorine and caustic chlor-al-kali generation, and energy generation from batteries and fuel cells," says Dr. Kannan Vembu, a principal at Arthur D. Little, Inc., Cambridge, MA. "Now, many of these technologies are being retooled to optimize other processes. Industry already has begun successfully applying electrochemical technologies to prevent pollution in the pulp and paper, aluminum, semiconductors, and iron and steel industries."