Circumneutral electrosynthesis of ferrate oxidant: An emerging technology for small,remote and decentralised water treatment applications

Although sophisticated water treatment technologies exist, the transportation, storage, and safe handling of chemical supplies can present major challenges for small and remote communities, putting the security of their access to potable water at risk. In-situ electrochemical methods can remove the need for chemical additives by generating reactive species on demand from the constituents of raw waters. This paper is a concise review of current literature concerning the advancement of in-situ technologies for the electrosynthesis of ferrate, which is a high-valent, strongly oxidising and environmentally benign species of iron. Synthesis mechanisms and operational parameters influencing generation in circumneutral conditions are discussed, as well as the viability of strategies to address the challenges presented by standards for drinking water and materials for constructing electrodes.