Copper-Zinc Alloy Flitration Media 085: A Multifunctional Powerhouse in Water TreatmentIn the ever - evolving world of water treatment, copper-zinc alloy, also known as CuZn, has emerged as a revolutionary material, playing a crucial role in various water purification processes. With its unique properties, it addresses multiple water quality issues, making it an essential component in water filters, purifiers, and treatment systems.Residual Chlorine RemovalOne of the most significant applications of copper-zinc alloy is in residual chlorine removal. Chlorine is commonly used in water treatment to disinfect water and kill harmful bacteria. However, residual chlorine in drinking water can have an unpleasant taste and odor, and it may also react with organic matter to form potentially harmful disinfection by-products. Copper-zinc alloy acts as an effective residual chlorine controller. Through a chemical reaction, the alloy reduces residual chlorine in water to harmless chloride ions. This process not only improves the taste and smell of water but also eliminates the risks associated with residual chlorine, making the water safer for consumption. 

✅ 1. Remove Residual Chlorine in Water

🔬 Reaction Equation:

Zn+HOCl+H2O+2e−→Zn2++Cl−+H++2OH−

💬 Explanation:

In this reaction, zinc (Zn) in the Aquavow (CUZN) alloy loses electrons and enters the solution as zinc ions (Zn²⁺).
Free chlorine (from HOCl) is reduced to chloride ions (Cl⁻), and water participates in the reaction, generating H⁺ and OH⁻ ions.
Copper (Cu) acts as a catalytic site and electron acceptor, helping to reduce free chlorine.
This reaction effectively removes residual chlorine from water.

✅ 2. Remove Heavy Metals in Water

Aquavow (CUZN) alloy material removes heavy metals through electrochemical redox reactions and catalysis. Soluble heavy metal ions are either reduced and deposited on the alloy surface or incorporated into the alloy crystal lattice. For example, with lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg):

🔬 Reaction Equations:

Zn/Cu+Zn+Pb(NO3)2→Zn/Cu/Pb+Zn(NO3)2

Zn/Cu+HgCl2→Zn/Cu/Hg+ZnCl2

💬 Explanation:

• Heavy metal ions like Pb²⁺ and Hg²⁺ are reduced to their metallic forms and deposited onto the Zn/Cu alloy surface.

• Meanwhile, Zn is oxidized to form zinc salts, such as Zn(NO₃)₂ or ZnCl₂.

• This effectively removes heavy metals such as Pb, Mn, Hg, Ag, Al, Cr, Cd, Cu, etc., from contaminated water.

✅ 3. Remove Ferrous Iron (Fe²⁺) in Water

Ferrous iron commonly exists in underground water or in corroded steel pipes. Aquavow alloy helps oxidize Fe²⁺ into Fe³⁺, forming insoluble compounds that precipitate and are removed from water.

🔬 Reaction Equations:

2Cu+FeO→Cu2O+Fe

4Fe+3O2→2Fe2O3

💬 Explanation:

• Copper reduces FeO (ferrous oxide) to metallic iron, and is oxidized to cuprous oxide (Cu₂O).

• The metallic iron (Fe) then reacts with oxygen from air, forming ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃).

• Ferric oxide is insoluble and can be filtered out, completing the removal process of ferrous iron from water.

✅ 4. Remove Hydrogen Sulfide in Water

🔬 Reaction Equations:

Cu/Zn+H2S→Cu/Zn+CuS+H2

2H2+O2→2H2O

💬 Explanation:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in water reacts with the CUZN alloy (zinc/copper) via a redox reaction.

• Copper reacts with hydrogen sulfide to form copper sulfide (CuS), an insoluble compound, and hydrogen gas (H₂) is released.

• The released hydrogen can then combine with oxygen to form water.

• This process removes toxic and foul-smelling H₂S from water effectively.

✅ 5. Remove Arsenic in Water

🔬 Reaction Equations:

3Zn2++As2O3+6H+→2Zn3As2+3H2O

3Zn2++2H3As→Zn3As2+6H+

💬 Explanation:

• Arsenic ions (As³⁺ or As₂O₃) in water are reduced and deposit onto the CUZN alloy surface.

• Zinc (Zn) is oxidized, and the arsenic is plated as zinc arsenide (Zn₃As₂).

• This electrochemical reaction removes arsenic from water by immobilizing it in solid form, making it easier to filter out.

✅ 6. Reduce Mineral Scale in Water

💬 Explanation

• When zinc ions from the CUZN alloy are released into the water, they alter the crystallization behavior of calcium carbonate.

• Instead of forming hard, adherent calcite scale, calcium carbonate tends to form aragonite, which is softer and less likely to stick to surfaces.

• The increase in pH due to the electrochemical reactions also reduces the solubility of carbonic acid, making it easier for calcium carbonate to precipitate as loose solids that can be removed rather than forming hard scale.

• This helps to prevent scaling on pipes and equipment in water treatment systems.