Periodic Reporting for period 1 - NANOELECTROCHEM (Electrocatalytic Nanoreactors for Absorption, Detection and Decontamination of Hazardous Compounds)
Reporting period: 2017-12-01 to 2019-05-31
The results from this proof-of-concept project indicate that the electrochemical detection and decontamination of CWA, through the application of nanomaterial composites, can be achieved. However, the intricacies of electrochemistry will require further investigation to determine the optimal conditions for maximal destruction. These may involve, for example, basic aqueous conditions where hydrogen peroxide synthesis can occur in-situ through the electrochemical oxidation of water. This work may also have implications in the detection and destruction of pesticides and other contaminants given their similar chemical structure to the organophosphate CWAs, including those used in agriculture, horticulture and domestic environment. With a methodical approach to optimisation, an elegant and viable method for resolving the CWA threat to civilian populations, as well as an economically and energetically favourable stockpile destruction process, can be accomplished.