Electrochemical Reduction of Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine in Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

Electrochemical reduction of RDX, hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine, a commercial and military explosive, was examined as a possible remediation technology for treating RDX-contaminated groundwater. A cascade of divided flow-through cells was used, with reticulated vitreous carbon cathodes and IrO2/Ti dimensionally stable anodes, initially using acetonitrile/water solutions to increase the solubility of RDX. The major degradation pathway involved reduction of RDX to the corresponding mononitroso compound, followed by ring cleavage to yield formaldehyde and methylenedinitramine. The reaction intermediates underwent further reduction and/or hydrolysis, the net result being the complete transformation of RDX to small molecules. The rate of degradation increased with current density, but the current efficiency was highest at low current densities. The technique was extended successfully both to 100% aqueous solutions of RDX and to an undivided electrochemical cell.

Structural Characteristics and Reactivity Relationships of Nitroaromatic and Nitramine Explosives – A Review of Our Computational Chemistry and Spectroscopic Research

“…RDX is considered a possible class C carcinogen and also affects the central nervous system in mammals [14]. A number of efforts have been made to determine the fate of RDX in the environment and to develop technologies for remediation of RDX contaminated soil and groundwater, including thermal degradation; photo- and chemical oxidation/reduction; alkaline hydrolysis, adsorption, free radical and biodegradation [12, 18–19, 23, 31, 33–34, 38, 41, 46–48, 52, 55–56, 59, 72–74, 89–91]. Knowledge of molecular structure, transformation mechanisms and range of potential RDX intermediates and products is necessary to management of contaminated real estate, particularly where military personnel are involved.…”

Electrochemical Methods for Synthesis of Energetic Materials and Remediation of Waste Water

“…Bonin et al [42] showed that RDX is readily decomposed to small molecules upon galvanostatic reduction in acetonitrile/water solutions. A flow-through divided cell reactor was employed, with a membrane as separator between anode and cathode, and the test solution was passed through several times until the substrate was consumed.…”

Experimental design for one dimensional electrolytic reactive barrier for remediation of munition constituent in groundwater

“…The reduction of energetic compounds such as TNT, and RDX and there kinetic transformations in separate electrode compartments are discussed by [10–12]. The in-situ use of direct electrochemical (e − barrier) for the removal of RDX and TNT were studied in column studies by [13,14] by sequential anode and cathodes with an electric potential 5 to 10 volts under constant current of 10 and 20 mA.…”