Device, system, and method for an advanced oxidation process using photohydroionization

Abstract

A device, system, and method, for the formation of advanced oxidation products by contacting a hydrated catalytic surface of a catalytic target structure with broad spectrum ultraviolet light in the 100 nm to 300 nm range that preferably includes 185 nm and 254 nm wavelengths. The catalytic surface reacts with the ultraviolet light energy and hydrate at the catalytic surface to form advanced oxidation products, The catalytic surface in one embodiment includes a hydrophilic agent, titanium dioxide, silver, copper, and rhodium. Preferably, the catalytic surface is coated with a coating that includes the hydrophilic; agent, titanium dioxide, silver, copper, and rhodium. A photohydroionization cell (100) that includes an ultraviolet light source (204) and a catalytic target structure (110) in an air environment to form advanced oxidation product is also provided. A U.V. light indicator and a monitor and / or control system for the photohydroionization cell (100) are also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 784,867, filed Feb. 23, 2004. The disclosure of the above noted application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety,FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to the field of applying ultraviolet light to an environment to create oxidizing agents for killing microbes, such as bacteria, mold, and viruses, and for destroying odors, and more particularly to an advanced oxidation process utilizing ultraviolet light to provide advanced oxidation product to an environment.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART[0003]Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which an element or on is increased in positive valence, losing electrons to an oxidizing agent. To oxidize is to change a substance by chemical reaction by combining it with oxygen such as by fire or rust. Oxidation processes can be used to kill bacteria, mold, and viruses. They are also routinely used to re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]According to a preferred embodiment, a photohydroionization cell includes a catalytic target structure substantially surrounding an ultraviolet light source. The new and novel photohydroionization cell can effectively form advanced oxidation product for an advanced oxidation process.

Problems solved by technology

Germicidal ultraviolet light, unfortunately, has little to no effect on gasses, vapors, or odors.

While ultraviolet light energy (185 nm) can, when applied to air in an environment, create ozone gas, and ozone is a strong oxidizer, ozone in elevated quantities can be toxic to humans and animals as well as can have undesired reactions to an environment.

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