PhD-Student

Current field of research

Sulfate radicals as oxidants for water treatment

Sulfate radicals belong to the strongest known oxidants in water and are
capable to oxidize many organic and inorganic compounds with high reaction
rates. The sulfate radical can be generated in a similar way as hydroxyl
radicals, which are already used for oxidative water treatment in
"Advanced Oxidation Processes" (AOPs). Because both radicals
differ in their main reaction pathways, the generation of sulfate radicals
as a part of an AOP may increase the effectiveness and efficiency of this
process.
Beside this benefit also the possible potential for the formation of
undesired by-products like bromate or chlorate has to be considered.

To investigate the potential of sulfate radicals for oxidative water
treatment the study is focused on:

- Transformation kinetics and reaction mechanisms of micropollutants (e.g.
perfluorinated compounds)
- By-product formation
- Behaviour of sulfate radicals in natural water systems