This method offers advantages of safety, economy, and scalability.

An electrochemical method of disposal of hydrazines dissolved in water has been devised. The method is applicable to hydrazine (N₂H₄), to monomethyl hydrazine [also denoted by MMH or by its chemical formula, (CH₃)HNNH₂], and to unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine [also denoted UDMH or by its chemical formula, (CH₃)₂NNH₂]. The method involves a room-temperature process that converts the hydrazine to the harmless products N₂, H₂O, and, in some cases, CO₂. In comparison with prior methods of disposing of hydrazines, the present method is safer and less expensive.

An Electrochemical Cell oxidizes highly toxic N₂H₄ to the harmless products N₂ and H₂O. The cell can be operated in an electrolyzer or fuel-cell mode; in either mode, the oxygen needed for oxidation is obtained from the air. The thickness of the proton-conducting membrane is greatly exaggerated here.

In the present method, one uses an electrochemical cell, which can be operated in either of two modes, depending on the nature of the rinse-water solution(s) to be treated: if the concentration of hydrazine is sufficiently high, the cell can be operated as a fuel cell; otherwise, the cell can be operated as an electrolyzer. The cell (see figure) includes a solid polymer electrolyte sandwiched between electrodes that have three-dimensionally complex, high-surface-area structures and contain appropriate electrocatalysts. The solid polymer electrolyte separates the anodic compartment from the cathodic compartment. Thus, there is no mixing of rinse-water containing hydrazine with any oxidant and, therefore, the undesired formation of nitrogen oxides or nitrate is prevented.