Bromate reduction by an electron exchange column

Polyoxometalates (POMs), Na₃PW₁₂O₄₀ and H₅AlW₁₂O₄₀ were entrapped in silica matrices using the sol-gel process and utilized as reducing electron exchange columns for the reduction of bromate. Bromate is a toxic disinfection by-product, generated during the ozonation process of water. The results distinctly show that this hazardous compound can be efficiently removed from aqueous media at different pH values without the addition of any chemicals to the media. Furthermore, the reducing capacity of the matrices can be recharged without loss of activity. This is the first reported practicable application of reducing electron exchange columns.