The Author

Alexander Kraft is co-founder and Managing Director of Gesimat GmbH, Berlin, Germany, a company which develops ‘smart’ switchable electrochromic glazing. Before starting Gesimat in 1998, he developed electrochemical water disinfection technologies and devices at G.E.R.U.S. mbH, Germany, from 1994. He continued to work for G.E.R.U.S. as a scientific adviser until 2006. Alexander Kraft received a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (semiconductor electrochemistry) from Humboldt University, Berlin, in 1994.

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Electrochemical Water Disinfection: A Short Review

Alexander Kraft

Gesimat GmbH, Köpenicker Str. 325, D-12555 Berlin, Germany;

Platinum Metals Review

Volume 52 Issue 3 July 2008 Pages 177-185
DOI 10.1595/147106708X329273

Article Synopsis

Electrochemical water disinfection is a rarely used but convenient and highly efficient way to produce germ-free water. The technique works without the addition of chemical compounds to the water to be treated, but is nevertheless based on the biocidal action of various chemical substances. Electrodes with platinum group metals (pgms) or their oxides as active coatings are generally the best suited to electrochemical water disinfection. In special cases, novel doped diamond electrodes can be applied. A short historical and technical overview of the process is given, augmented by some application examples.

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