Photocatalytic technology

Photocatalytic
technology

Our technology has been developed and improved by scientists from the University of Gdańsk. See how the photocatalytic air purification process looks like.

Nanoparticles from the photocatalyst

are irradiated with appropriate energy (e.g. titanium dioxide by UV light)

Photogenerated electrons

react with surrounding oxygen and air humidity forming reactive oxygen species, including strong hydroxyl radicals

Radicals oxidise organic compounds

such as organic pollutants, causing them to mineralize, forming carbon dioxide, water, and finally simple inorganic compounds containing heteroatoms

Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

can be converted to HNO3 or N2 respectively, while sulfur oxide (SO2) can be oxidised to sulfates

Formed both nitrates (NO3-) sulfates(SO2-4)

can be converted to HNO3 or N2 respectively, while sulfur oxide (SO2) can be oxidised to sulfates

Photocatalytic process
effectively removes:

Sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide
Volatile organic compounds
Unpleasant odors
Pathogens (viruses, bacteria, or fungi)

Patents

Porous material with photocatalytic properties

Scope
of the patent:

Manufacturing method on an industrial scale
Composition of the photocatalytic paste which imparts properties to the above-mentioned material

Applications
and usage

Bacteria, fungi, and viruses removal
Air disinfection of harmful volatile organic and inorganic compounds
Used for air purification in air conditioning systems, in portable air purifying devices placed in closed rooms (offices, schools, rooms), up to large devices in industrial facilities or in sewage management facilities

Material with
nanotubes

Titanium material covered with photocatalytic nanotubes. Used for air purification of volatile organic and inorganic compounds, and microorganisms.

Scope
of the patent:

Manufacturing method on an industrial scale

Applications
and usage

Small air purification devices (including portable purifiers)
Air purifiers Integrated in lighting fixtures (used in offices / classrooms, service premises, etc.)

Patent
pending

Photocatalytic reactor used for continuous hydrogen production. The invention also comprises hydrogen production method using a flow photocatalytic reactor.

01
Body
02
Inlet
03
Outlet
04
Reaction chamber
05
Photocatalytic element containing a photocatalytic layer

06
A light source emitting electromagnetic waves towards the photocatalytic element
07
Separation element (temperature and environmental separation of the light source /6/ from unfavorable conditions in the reaction chamber /4/
08
Inlet valve
09
Outlet valve

Photocatalytic
materials

Our photocatalytic layers can be used in various air-purifying structures. Layers are developed and manufactured by Nanosci.

Titanium dioxide
nanotubes

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes are formed directly on the carrier material (a sheet of titanium foil). Nanotubes dimensions (length, diameter, and wall thickness) can be precisely regulated by the synthesis parameters, which affect their photocatalytic activity. Shaped titanium pieces covered with TiO2 nanotubes could be easily incorporated as a photocatalytic layer in a photocatalytic engine. The manufacturing method of a thin layer of oriented TiO2 nanotubes has been patent-pending.

Specification:

Highly developed surface
No die deposition step
Increased absorption of radiation (reflection effect)
Very high air cleaning efficiency
Ideal for wearable air purifiers

Possible
applications:

“Small-sized devices, e.g. respiratory masks”
Used in devices with a small cross-sectional area caused by design or technological limitations

Ceramic photocatalytic layers
coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2)

Made of a porous ceramic structure evenly covered with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. Porous photocatalytic layers can vary in size (including shape and thickness) and porosity depending on customer needs and potential applications. Manufacturing of porous photocatalytic materials on a semi-industrial scale has been patent-pending.

Specification:

Manufactured with renewable raw materials
Currently in production
Flexibility in shapes and dimensions
Low pressure drop (only 19 Pa)
Can be washed in the dishwasher or regenerated by UV radiation without a decrease in efficiency
High air purification efficiency
Ideal for air purifiers
Easy to scale (by resizing or multiplying the number of photocatalytic layers)
Long stability and activity of layers in working conditions

Possible
applications:

Portable air purifiers
Wall-mounted air purifiers installed in apartments
Purifiers in offices and vehicles
As photocatalytic modules permanently installed in air-conditioning systems

Photocatalytic
paste

Paste with photocatalytic properties designed for air purification from volatile organic and inorganic compounds, microorganisms, especially toluene, formaldehyde, NOx, SO2, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.

Specification:

Composition free of toxic substances
Durable, environmentally friendly, highly effective product
Resistant to vibrations and mechanical stimuli
Easy application on porous material

Possible
applications:

Devices for deodorization and purification of air streams
Cleaning and deodorizing indoor air
Window Air purifiers
Devices Built into air conditioning systems

Future of photokatalytic technology

At Nanosci, we have developed and patented a complete and scalable air purification technology. Our team is involved in research on water purification. We expect to be ready to commercialize the photocatalytic water purifier within two years. We are working on the application of our technology to the production of hydrogen.

Photocatalytic technology