Simultaneous electrolysis method for water treatment and hydrogen recovery
The textile industry is one of the most water-intensive sectors, responsible for around 20% of global industrial water pollution, largely from dyeing and finishing processes. Electrochemical treatment has proven effective for dye degradation and water decolouration, with the additional benefit of pr...
| Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Master's thesis |
| Publication date: | 2025 |
| Country: | España |
| Institution: | Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) |
| Repository: | UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC |
| Language: | English |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/444118 |
| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/2117/444118 |
| Access Level: | Open access |
| Keyword: | Water - Electrolysis Hydrogen Aigua--Electròlisi Hidrogen Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria tèxtil |
| Summary: | The textile industry is one of the most water-intensive sectors, responsible for around 20% of global industrial water pollution, largely from dyeing and finishing processes. Electrochemical treatment has proven effective for dye degradation and water decolouration, with the additional benefit of producing hydrogen as a by-product. Although often overlooked, hydrogen is a versatile energy vector with growing importance in industrial decarbonisation strategies worldwide. This project builds on the MesH concept (Mètode d’Electròlisi Simultània per al tractament d'aigües i recuperació d’Hidrogen), which integrates wastewater treatment and hydrogen recovery into a single electrochemical process. To minimise environmental impact and ensure a circular economy approach, the present work evaluates the feasibility of powering the MesH system with photovoltaic solar energy. Three solar configurations (Non- controlled, Controlled, and Controlled with energy storage) are designed, implemented and validated. Their performance is first assessed with a preliminary Batch Cell reactor and later with the more advanced, application-oriented Micro Flow Cell. The results demonstrate that the solar-powered system achieves electrical performance, discolouration efficiency, and hydrogen production comparable to conventional DC operation. These findings confirm that renewable energy can power the MesH technology without compromising treatment effectiveness or hydrogen recovery, reinforcing its potential as a sustainable solution for industrial water management and energy valorisation. |
|---|