The new field of Sustainable Ultradilute Oxidation Catalysis (SUDOC): Integrating health, environmental and fairness performances with technical and cost performances for transformative sustainable water purification in multiple sectors.

Abstract:

Research and development at our multidisciplinary, internationally networked Institute for Green Science has delivered the most potent, efficient homogeneous peroxide-activating catalysts across both chemistry and biology. I will describe the existential threat presented by the low dose adverse effects (lodafs) of everyday-everywhere chemicals and show how our peroxide-activating catalysts help to reduce this threat from water. After 15 y of following the Collins Oxidation Catalyst Iterative Design Protocol to achieve iron-TAML activators (TAMLs) in 1995, we spent 20 y of TAML iterative design, repeatedly advancing the state-of-the-art in the technical performances of small molecule, oxidation enzyme mimics. Then, further insight into TAML degradation processes led to NewTAML activators (NewTAMLs) and again to record setting technical performances in peroxidase mimicry. I will present the design, mechanisms of action and general utility of TAMLs and NewTAMLs. The relative behavior of NewTAML/peroxide vs ozone in the treatment of micropollutants (that produce adverse effects at low concentrations) in municipal wastewater will be discussed. The complete iterative design protocol that led to NewTAMLs will be shown pictorially and discussed to illustrate how we figured out how to integrate health, environmental and fairness performances with technical and cost performances into the value proposition of a sustainable chemical. NewTAMLs enable a broad new field of catalysis science that is mated especially to water treatment science called, “Sustainable Ultra-dilute Oxidation Catalysis” (SUDOC). The logic and safety evidence behind the choice of this name will be shared. Our experiences in learning how to make homogeneous oxidation catalysts that are certifiably sustainable to the highest levels of contemporary science could be helpful to economically treat non-traditional waters and help provide our nation’s industries and communities with a resilient, cost-effective water supply for the 21st century.