Electrolyzed water, also known as EW or Activated Water, is a powerful yet safe disinfectant created through a process called electrolysis. This process involves passing an electrical current through a water solution containing a small amount of salt (sodium chloride). The result is a water-based solution with remarkable disinfecting properties, capable of killing a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Additionally, this process includes particle separation capabilities, such as nanobubbles and electro flocculation, which makes EW a more effective solution for the removal of various pollutants, from visible dirt to microscopic contaminants.
The exact composition depends on factors like the pH of the solution and the magnitude of the voltage applied in the electrolysis process. However, Electrolyzed water is primarily composed of:
1. Water (H2O)
2. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl)
3. Hypochlorite ions (OCl-)
4. Sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-)
The star of the show is hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a compound that our own immune systems produce to fight off pathogens. In electrolyzed water, HOCl is the key active ingredient responsible for its disinfecting properties. It’s important to distinguish this from hydrochloric acid (HCl), as they have very different properties and roles in solution.
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a weak acid and a powerful oxidizing agent. It’s the active ingredient in electrolyzed water that gives it its disinfecting properties. HOCl is highly effective at killing pathogens but is also safe for human contact in the concentrations found in electrolyzed water.
How Electrolyzed Water is Different
Using electrolyzed water is like making food at home instead of eating out. Traditional disinfection methods often rely on pre-made chemical solutions that need to be transported, stored, and diluted before use. With electrolyzed water, you’re essentially creating your disinfectant on-site, as needed.
Electrolyzed water is incredibly efficient compared to traditional methods. For example, to achieve the same level of disinfection as electrolyzed water, you would need approximately 400 times more chlorine in a bleach solution. This is because the electrolysis process creates a high concentration of the active ingredient (HOCl) without the need for excessive amounts of chlorine.
Electrolyzed water represents a significant advancement in disinfection technology. By harnessing the power of electrolysis to create a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly disinfectant, we can achieve better results while reducing reliance on harsh chemicals. As we continue to face challenges in public health and environmental protection, technologies like electrolyzed water will play an increasingly important role in creating a cleaner, safer world.
Academic Sources:
- de Vargas Brião, G., da Costa, T. B., Antonelli, R., & Martins Costa, J. (2024). Electrochemical processes for the treatment of contaminant-rich wastewater: A comprehensive review. Chemosphere. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141884
- Ding, T., Oh, D.-H., & Liu, D. (Eds.). (2019). Electrolyzed water in food: Fundamentals and applications. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3807-6
