New nanocomposites for deep water deoxygenation

Abstract

New metal-polymer nanocomposites for deep water deoxygenation have been obtained and studied. A macro- and monoporous sulphocation exchanger with a nanometer pore size was used as the polymer matrix, and the metal was nanodispersed copper deposited in the pores of the matrix. A specific feature of the studied nanocomposites is their sodium ionic form, which eliminates the possibility of the formation of soluble copper oxidation products. The established linear dependence of the copper capacity on the number of cycles of ion-exchange saturation - chemical deposition shows that the process of metal deposition into the pores of the matrix does not have significant obstacles during 10 cycles and contributes to the production of high-capacity samples.The high efficiency and duration of the life cycle of high-capacity copper ion exchanger nanocomposites have been shown. Experimental studies of water deoxygenation in column-type apparatus with a nanocomposite nozzle were confirmed by a theoretical analysis of the process dynamics. Experimental data and theoretical calculations showed the deep level of water deoxygenation had practically unchanged values of pH and electrical conductivity. Residual oxygen can be controlled and does not exceed 3 μg/l (ppb).The hygienic and economic substantiation of the expediency of using the obtained nanocomposites is provided. The necessity of using modern nanocomposite metal-polymer materials for deep water deoxygenation circulating in technological systems was analysed. When using this innovation, the metal components of the distribution facilities will be protected from corrosion and, therefore, the hygienic requirements for the water quality of centralised drinking water supply systems will be ensured. Deep chemical water deoxygenation using copper ion-exchange polymer nanocomposites in sodium formallows solving the problem of the corrosion resistance of metals, ensuring that water meets hygienic requirements on a large scale.The competitive advantage of the considered water deoxygenation system in comparison with the known systems is the rejection of the use of precious metals-catalysts (palladium, platinum), pure hydrogen, and complex design solutions. The proposed new nanocomposite installation for water deoxygenation is characterised by its ease of use and can be built into a filter system for water purification.SWOT analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed method of water deoxygenation showed that its main advantages are the high oxygen capacity of the nanocomposite, low residual oxygen content (3 ppb (μg/l)) in the water, and ease of operation of the deoxygenator. Calculations of the economic efficiency of the nanocomposite have been carried out. The breakeven point is reached when producing only ~100 l of nanocomposite and a volume of sales ~1,600,000 roubles, above which a profit can be obtained. The payback period for an investment of ~15,000,000 roubles is rather short and will not exceed 2 years.