Catalytic Diamond

Technology for the destruction of Substances of Very High Concern, including PFAS, aromatic and chlorinated compounds.

Water IQ International has developed Catalytic Diamond, an innovative technology for treating difficult-to-degrade contaminants in water. The technology targets a broad spectrum of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs), including aromatic and phenolic compounds, pesticides and chlorinated organic compounds.

The key innovation is that contaminants are not merely removed or concentrated, but actually degraded. Catalytic Diamond combines selective adsorption with advanced catalytic oxidation. In the first step, contaminants and other substances that would undesirably consume oxidants and reactive radicals are selectively removed from the water. In the second step, oxidants are added to the water and brought into intensive contact with an immobilized catalyst. This generates highly reactive radicals that degrade the SVHCs present in the water. The combination of these two process steps enables the effective treatment of complex water streams.

The technology is distinguished by high removal efficiencies, short residence times and a compact footprint. Field tests have demonstrated, among other results, 99.99% removal of trichloroethylene (TCE) and complete removal of cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (cis-DCE) and vinyl chloride. In the Dutch greenhouse horticulture sector, the technology is widely applied to treat pesticide-contaminated wastewater, achieving the required removal efficiencies of at least 95% for pesticides and 99.5% for imidacloprid, despite the low water transmittance.

Catalytic Diamond is now also being applied to treat wastewater at oil terminals. In addition, pilot-scale testing with contaminated groundwater has demonstrated the degradation of both PFAS and Freon. This highlights the technology’s potential for addressing some of the most persistent and challenging groups of water contaminants.

Catalytic Diamond combines the actual degradation of SVHCs, high removal efficiencies and broad applicability in one compact and scalable water treatment system.