(Invited) Commercialization of an Electrochemical Filter – ElectraMetTM

Abstract

ElectraMetTM is on a mission to apply advanced carbon electrode technologies to deliver targeted solutions for sustainable water treatment while delivering superior performance and reliability to its customers. We are a venture-funded start-up based in Lexington, Kentucky from core technology developed at the University of Kentucky. Founded in 2014 after winning a local pitch competition, we have grown to more than 20 employees with a standalone manufacturing facility, which is a contrast from our start in a small lab-space at the University of Kentucky’s Advanced Science & Technology Commercialization Center (ASTeCC) incubator. Much of our success is owed to federal SBIR awards, state matching grants, and the Bluegrass Angels, without which, we would not have realized the growth we are at today. This summer, we closed a $6MM Series B financing round, led by HG Ventures, to meet the rising demand for sustainable industrial water treatment, accelerate corporate partnerships, and expand operations.Over the past 7 years, we have commercialized two product offerings, INCION® and ElectraMetTM, both based on patented carbon electrode technology. INCION® is an electrochemical device for water softening that employs the principles of inverted capacitive deionization (i-CDI), removing calcium and magnesium from water streams without the use of membranes, thus eliminating issues associated with scaling.1 , 2 ElectraMetTM is an electrochemical filter for targeted metals removal, with an initial focus on lead, chromium, and copper.3 Industrial applications range from electroplating to semiconductor manufacturing to mining. Figure 1 depicts the progression of our device design over time and Figure 2 shows representative data for copper removal from wastewater at an electroplating facility for over 1000 gallons treated.The path to commercialization has not been without its challenges, both technical and business facing. When it comes to scaling up any technology, there is a lot of work involved, and the process is not trivial. This is especially true for electrochemical systems, whose behavior is often dramatically affected by electrode spacing and localized kinetics. To better predict results in the field, we use equivalent process parameters to evaluate performance at the lab-scale (ie. flow rate, current efficiency, etc.), in conjunction with fundamental electrochemical studies (eg. chronoamperometry). These methods have provided a reasonable correlation between results obtained in the lab and at industrial sites.Through trial and error, as well as focused R&D projects, we have had to delve deep into materials selection, electrode design, electronics, controls, and pre-treatment options, among other things. In this presentation, we want to share our journey from idea to product, with the hope of providing insight into what it takes to succeed in commercializing an electrochemical device.