Electrolysed water

Overview of electrolysed water

Electrolysed water

Electrolysis of water using a battery

Electrolysed water, also known as electrochemically activated water or electrolyzed oxidizing water, is a type of water that has been treated by electrolysis. This process involves passing an electric current through water to produce a solution with disinfectant properties. Electrolysed water is used in various applications, including cleaning, disinfection, and as a sanitizer in the food industry.

Production

Electrolysed water is produced by the process of electrolysis, which involves the use of an electrolytic cell. In this process, water is split into its constituent elements, hydrogen and oxygen, by passing an electric current through it. The electrolysis of water can be represented by the chemical equation:

2 H_O(l) _ 2 H_(g) + O_(g)

In the context of producing electrolysed water for disinfection, a salt solution (usually sodium chloride) is added to the water. The electrolysis of this saline solution results in the production of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), both of which have antimicrobial properties.

Applications

Electrolysed water is widely used for its disinfectant properties. It is effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Some common applications include:

• Food industry: Used for sanitizing surfaces, equipment, and food products to ensure food safety.
• Healthcare: Employed in hospitals and clinics for disinfecting surfaces and medical instruments.
• Agriculture: Used to control pathogens in irrigation systems and to sanitize produce.
• Household cleaning: Utilized as a non-toxic cleaning agent for various surfaces.

Advantages

Electrolysed water offers several advantages over traditional chemical disinfectants:

• Non-toxic: It is safe for humans and the environment, as it decomposes into water and salt.
• Effective: It has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity.
• Cost-effective: It can be produced on-site, reducing the need for purchasing and storing chemical disinfectants.

Limitations

Despite its advantages, electrolysed water has some limitations:

• Stability: The antimicrobial properties of electrolysed water can diminish over time, requiring fresh production for optimal effectiveness.
• Corrosiveness: It can be corrosive to certain metals and materials, necessitating careful selection of application surfaces.

Related pages

• Electrolysis
• Disinfectant
• Hypochlorous acid
• Sanitization