CataCOD
Development of a photocatalytic online sensor
Funding Programme
VDI/BMFTR – Innovative SMEs in Photonics and Quantum Technologies
Background
Background, Objectives, Content
Stricter limit values and dynamic wastewater flows call for robust online analysis. Laboratory methods for COD/BOD are labour-intensive, discontinuous and require frequent maintenance. The aim is to develop CataCOD: a compact, photocatalytic-electrochemical probe for the total and fractional determination of organic constituents in water – virtually maintenance-free and fully automated.
The measuring cell combines a photoanode/cathode, UV-A LEDs and potentiostat electronics (resolution ±20 nA). Thin catalyst layers and oxide semiconductors with variable band gaps (TiO₂, WO₃, CdS, ZnO) are used to selectively excite photocurrents; voltammetric methods enable the separation of fractions. A conductivity measurement system is integrated, so no electrolyte dosing is required. Galvanic self-cleaning minimises drift and maintenance; the aim is stable operation for ≥6 months.
Contents: (i) Fabrication and screening of stable photoanodes (hydrothermal/screen printing), (ii) development of the electronics/signal processing, (iii) modelling and calibration against laboratory COD/DOC with <5 % deviation in real matrices, (iv) Investigation of interference effects and voltammetric fractionation, (v) Construction of a demonstrator and field validation (municipal/industrial). The result is a ready-for-use online probe for real-time monitoring and digital process control
Project Partners
Synantik GmbH; smart5 envitech GmbH; Saale Wastewater Association
Addressed SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
Contact Persons
Axel Wolfram
Research Associate
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