We are pleased to announce the publication of new research in Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology, detailing advancements in the electrochemical reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)).
The paper, titled “Towards scalable electrochemical reduction cells for hexavalent chromium,” presents findings on the design and operation of electrochemical systems capable of efficiently converting Cr(VI) to trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) under controlled conditions.
The work was authored by ElectraMet’s PhD team members Collin A. Dunn, Alan Rassoolkhani, Cameron Lippert, and James Landon.
Research Overview
The study evaluates electrochemical reduction as an alternative to conventional chemical treatment methods for Cr(VI), a regulated contaminant commonly encountered in industrial wastewater. Experimental results demonstrate high conversion efficiencies under acidic conditions, with system performance influenced by electrode material selection, applied potential, and operational stability over time.
Particular attention is given to:
- The role of carbon-based electrodes in balancing performance and cost
- System behavior under continuous operation
- Factors contributing to performance degradation, including resistivity changes and fouling
These findings contribute to a broader understanding of how electrochemical approaches can be engineered for practical deployment in industrial treatment environments.
Context and Contribution
Hexavalent chromium treatment has traditionally relied on chemical reduction processes, often requiring ongoing reagent dosing and process control. This research explores an electrochemical pathway that enables direct reduction within a controlled cell environment, offering an alternative framework for treatment system design.
The publication reflects ElectraMet’s ongoing work in electrochemical separations and treatment technologies, with a focus on translating laboratory-scale insights into scalable, field-relevant systems.
Access the Publication
The full article is available here: