Optimum conditions for the formation of Al13 polymer and active chlorine in electrolysis process with Ti/RuO2-TiO2 anodes

A polyaluminum containing a high concentration of Al₁₃ polymer and active chlorine (PACC) was successfully synthesized by a new electrochemical reactor using Ti/RuO₂-TiO₂ anodes. PACC can potentially be used as a dual-function chemical reagent for water treatment. The obtained results indicated that the formation of Al₁₃ polymer and active chlorine, were the most active components in PACC responsible for coagulation and disinfection respectively. These components were significantly influenced by electrolyte temperature, current density, and stirring rate. It was observed that high electrolyte temperature favored the formation of Al₁₃. Increasing current density and stirring rate resulted in high current efficiency of chlorine evolution, thus favoring the generation of Al₁₃ and active chlorine in PACC. When the PACC (Al_T = 0.5 mol/L, basicity = 2.3) was prepared at the optimum conditions by electrolysis process, the Al₁₃ polymer and active chlorine in product reached above 70% of Al_T and 4000 mg/L, respectively. In the pilot scale experiment with raw polyaluminum chloride used as an electrolyte, PACC was successfully prepared and produced a high content of Al₁₃ and active chlorine products. The pilot scale experiment demonstrated a potential industrial approach of PACC preparation.