Photocatalytic technology

designed by Nanosci, proven by science.

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.

Graphika About illustration
01

Nanoparticles from the photocatalyst

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

02

Photogenerated electrons

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

03

Radicals oxidise organic compounds

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

04

Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

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

05

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:

Process image
  • Plus icon Sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide
  • Plus icon Volatile organic compounds
  • Plus icon Unpleasant odors
  • Plus icon Pathogens (viruses, bacteria, or fungi)
Process table

Patents

Porous material with photocatalytic properties

Scope
of the patent:

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

Applications
and usage

  • Icon Bacteria, fungi, and viruses removal
  • Icon Air disinfection of harmful volatile organic and inorganic compounds
  • Icon 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:

  • Icon Manufacturing method on an industrial scale

Applications
and usage

  • Icon Small air purification devices (including portable purifiers)
  • Icon 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.

Infographic patent
  • 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:

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

Possible
applications:

  • Icon “Small-sized devices, e.g. respiratory masks”
  • Icon 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:

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

Possible
applications:

  • Icon Portable air purifiers
  • Icon Wall-mounted air purifiers installed in apartments
  • Icon Purifiers in offices and vehicles
  • Icon 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:

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

Possible
applications:

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

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.​

Main processes Technology Readiness Level (TRL)

Infographic