Container with uv purification

Abstract

A water container (100) for purifying water is provided, the water container comprising an opening (350b) configured to receive water, a container body (110) arranged to enclose the water, and a water purification unit configured to purify the water. The water purification unit comprises an at least partially transparent plate (120) comprising a coating of metal oxide nanoparticles (220) on a first side (125a) facing the container body, wherein the first side is configured to be in contact with the water, and an ultraviolet light module (130) configured to radiate towards a second side (125b) of the at least partially transparent plate such that light from the ultraviolet light module at least partially passes through the at least partially transparent plate. Further provided is a method for purifying water within a water container.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the technical field of water purification systems, and more specifically to a water purification system inside a water container. BACKGROUND

[0002] Water purification is a large field and there are many different solutions to purify water. One method is through the photocatalytic ability of metal oxide nanomaterials. Certain engineered metal oxide nanomaterials can produce free radicals that can be harmful to biological contaminants, such as bacteria, in water when exposed to UV radiation while in contact with water. One example of a metal oxide with these properties is titanium dioxide, Ti02, which has further been found in the prior art to facilitate the breakdown of cyanide in water. Photocatalysis can also be used to break down pollutants in air to improve air quality, or on surfaces of objects. Large areas of Ti02 are used in the prior art to achieve good photocatalysis and obtain pure water.

[0003] The solution presented in the prior art includes coating the inside of a water container with metal oxide to provide photocatalysis in order to purify water by initiating photocatalysis using sunlight shining on the side of the container.

[0004] There is a need in the art for a new and more available water purification system that does not rely on available sunlight. SUMMARY

[0005] The inventors have realized that the purification properties from photocatalysis from metal oxide and the purification properties of UV light can be combined using at least partly transparent panels. The inventors have further realized that such an arrangement can be easily fitted into smaller containers such as water bottles, thereby ensuring a low-cost solution for small, limited spaces.

[0006] There are many potential photocatalysts in the prior art, one of the most promising and most common substances is Ti02nanoparticles. Due to reactivity, nanoparticles can be preferred over bulk Ti02, the nanoparticles will have a larger combined surface area that can react with UV light. Ti02 is chemically stable and has a strong ability to break molecular bonds, thereby causing degradation. Ti02 is also fairly cheap due to its abundance.

[0007] Ti02 can be used as a photocatalyst due to its being a semiconductor. Ti02 can be in different states, such as nanoscale or nanoparticles of anatase Ti02 that does not absorb any visible light. However, it strongly absorbs UV light, which leads to the formation of hydroxyl radicals. When a photo-induced valence band hole (h + vb ) is trapped at the surface of Ti02 leads to the formation of trapped holes (h+ tr This happens when, for example, the following reactions can occur:

[0008] TiO2+ hv→ e - +h + vb

[0009] h + vb →h + tr

[0010] O2+ e - →O2 ·-

[0011] O2 ·- +O2 ·- +2H + →H2O2+O2

[0012] O2 ·- +h + vb →O2

[0013] O2 ·- +h + tr →O2

[0014] OH - +h + vb →HO·

[0015] e - +h + tr →recombination

[0016] In this reaction, the wavelength (l) = 387 nm. It has been found that the above reactions mineralize and decompose unwanted compounds in the environment in which they occur, in particular in air and waste water.

[0017] UV light has different frequencies, i.e. different energies. A common classification system is UVA, UVB and UVC light, of which UVC has the highest energy. UVB is usually the cause of sunburn, while UVC from the sun is completely blocked and absorbed by the atmosphere. The use of UV light to clean air and liquids is well known in the prior art available.

[0018] The present disclosure seeks to provide at least some embodiments of a water container that overcomes at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. More specifically, the present disclosure aims to provide at least some embodiments that provide a water container for purifying water by means of using at least a partially transparent plate coated with metal oxide nanoparticles in combination with the photocatalytic effect of metal oxide by UV light.

[0019] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a water container for purifying water is provided. The water container comprises an opening configured to receive water and a container body arranged to enclose water. The water container further comprises a water purification unit configured to purify water. The water purification unit comprises at least a partially transparent plate comprising a coating of metal oxide nanoparticles on a first side facing the container body. The first side is configured to be in contact with water. The water purification unit further comprises an ultraviolet light module configured to radiate towards a second side of the at least partially transparent plate such that light from the ultraviolet light module at least partially passes through the at least partially transparent plate.

[0020] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for purifying water within a water container is provided. The method comprises filling a container body of a water container with water through an opening, radiating ultraviolet light from a first end of the water container towards a second end of the water container. The method further comprises transmitting at least part of the ultraviolet light through an at least partially transparent plate towards the container body, wherein the at least partially transparent plate comprises a coating of metal oxide nanoparticles on a first side facing the container. The method further comprises illuminating the container body with the ultraviolet light.

[0021] Thus, a container and method is provided having a first function of purifying water by using ultraviolet light. Further, a function of purifying water by using the photocatalytic effect of metal oxide nanoparticles under ultraviolet light illumination is also provided. The present device and method has many advantages. For example, it allows a user to carry a small and convenient water container to purify water when there is no large water purification system available. It is also advantageous to combine the method of purifying water using ultraviolet light with the method using photocatalytic effect to ensure that the water is potable.

[0022] According to embodiments, the coating of metal oxide nanoparticles comprises titanium dioxide, Ti02. This embodiment is advantageous as Ti02has proven effect of cleaning water when illuminated with ultraviolet light and ensures that the water is potable. It is further advantageous that Ti02is abundant and easy to use, which ensures that the product is cost-effective and functional. The coating of metal oxide nanoparticles can be placed along the edges of the at least partially transparent plate, leaving an uncovered area where UV light can pass through the at least partially transparent plate. The coating can also be distributed evenly across the entire at least partially transparent plate.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the at least partially transparent plate is a glass plate. This embodiment is advantageous since glass is transparent and readily available. It should however be understood that other transparent or at least partially transparent materials can be used, such as different plastics.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the ultraviolet light module is configured to radiate UVC light. This embodiment is advantageous since UVC light has a higher frequency and thus a higher energy content, which makes it more suitable for purifying substances such as water. It is beneficial when the light interacts with a contaminant in the water if the light has a high energy to ensure that the contaminant is neutralized. Further, the UVC light will be absorbed and cause a photo catalysis that will purify the water when interacting with the metal oxide nanoparticles of the coating of the at least partially transparent plate.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the at least partially transparent plate is slidably arranged inside the water container. This embodiment is advantageous since the user can adjust the position of the at least partially transparent plate after filling it with water or removing water therefrom. This can be advantageous since the at least partially transparent plate can always be placed in a position such that the first side comprising the metal oxide nanoparticles is in contact with the water inside the container to enable photo catalysis. The skilled person can of course use other methods, such as placing the at least partially transparent plate on the bottom portion of the water container so that the water rests on the plate. Or placing the at least partially transparent plate in the lid element of the water container and inverting the water container when purifying to allow the water to come in contact with the plate.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the water container further comprises a lid element, wherein said water purifying unit is arranged inside said lid element. This embodiment is advantageous since the design of the water container can be made compact. It is further advantageous that the water purifying unit can be easily reached, for example for maintenance of the ultraviolet light module. The lid element can for example have a flat upper surface that allows the water container to be inverted and rested on the lid element, which can be advantageous since it ensures that the at least partially transparent plate is in contact with the water inside the container body, thereby ensuring proper photo catalysis.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the ultraviolet light module is configured to be turned off when the lid element is in an open position, and the ultraviolet light source is configured to be turned on when the lid element is in a closed position. This embodiment is advantageous since the ultraviolet light source is not turned on when the water container is open, which ensures that the user is not at risk of being exposed to high energy ultraviolet light.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the water container further comprises a switch configured to turn on and off the ultraviolet light source. This embodiment is advantageous since the user can choose when to turn on the ultraviolet light source, so as not to use it when no purifying action is needed, for example when there is no water in the container body.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the water container further comprises an indicator configured to indicate whether the ultraviolet light source is on or off. This embodiment is advantageous because the user can know whether the light source is on or off, thereby ensuring that the user is not exposed to any ultraviolet light. Further, it allows the user to know how long the ultraviolet light source has been used and, thus, whether the water has been purified.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the second side comprises a coating of metal oxide nanoparticles. This embodiment is advantageous because more metal oxide nanoparticles release more free radicals during the photocatalysis caused by the ultraviolet light, which gives a higher interaction rate with the water content. This ensures a faster and more efficient purification of the water.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the water container further comprises a second water purification unit. This embodiment can have more than one water purification unit, and the second water purification unit can be similar to the water purification unit and function in the same way. For example, it can be placed on the opposite side of the water container from the water purification unit. This embodiment can be advantageous because more purification measures can ensure a better purification effect and a faster purification process. Further, it can be advantageous to install multiple smaller water purification modules instead of one larger water purification module to optimize the container.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the water container further comprises a power source configured to power the ultraviolet light source. This embodiment is advantageous because the ultraviolet light can be powered by a convenient power source. A power source can be chosen that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Further, the power source can differ between different embodiments that are suitable for certain situations. For example, a hand generator can be used for a water container that is used in areas where there is little or no sunlight available for solar cells or where it is not possible to recharge a battery pack using a power outlet. A battery pack using solar cells or any other conventional power source can be used in various embodiments.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the inside of the container body is made of a light-reflecting material. This embodiment is advantageous because the ultraviolet light will be reflected inside the container body and, thus, purify the water more efficiently. The light is reflected and, thus, has a higher chance of interacting with the contaminants in the water. Further advantageously, the water will remain at the preferred temperature for a longer time, for example, if warm water is needed and the water container is filled with warm water, the reflective surface will keep the temperature for a longer time.

[0034] It should be noted that other embodiments are envisaged using all possible combinations of the features described in the above described embodiments. Thus, the present disclosure also relates to all possible combinations of the features mentioned herein. Any embodiment described herein can be combined with other embodiments described herein equally, and the present disclosure relates to all combinations of features. In particular, it should be understood that the above described embodiments apply to the first and second aspects of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the following drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 An exemplary water container according to an embodiment is schematically illustrated;

[0037] Figure 2 An exemplary at least partially transparent panel according to the present invention is schematically illustrated;

[0038] Figure 3 An exemplary water container according to an embodiment is schematically illustrated;

[0039] Figure 4 An exemplary method for using a water container according to an embodiment is illustrated;

[0040] Figure 5 An exemplary water container according to an embodiment is schematically illustrated;

[0041] Figure 6 An exemplary at least partially transparent panel according to the present invention is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] As illustrated in the drawings, the dimensions of the elements and regions can be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures of embodiments. Throughout this document, the same reference numerals are

[0043] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments are shown. This application may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will convey the scope of the application to those skilled in the art.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 An exemplary water container 100 according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0045] The water container 100 comprises an opening (not shown, see Figure 3The water container 100 further comprises a container body 110 arranged to enclose water filled through the opening. The cross section of the water container 100 is shown, the water container 100 can have any convenient shape, for example a cylinder, a rectangle or any combination of shapes. The water container 100 further comprises a water purification unit configured to purify water, the water purification unit comprises an at least partially transparent plate 120 comprising a metal oxide nanoparticle coating on a first side 125a facing the container body 110. The first side 125a can be configured to be in contact with water inside the container body 110. The water purification unit further comprises an ultraviolet light module 130 configured to radiate towards a second side 125b of the at least partially transparent plate 120 such that light from the ultraviolet light module 130 at least partially passes through the at least partially transparent plate 120. Light radiated from the ultraviolet light module 130 can interact with the metal oxide nanoparticles on the first side 125a of the at least partially transparent plate 120 and with water inside the container body 110.

[0046] In Figure 1 The water container 100 further comprises a cover element 140. The ultraviolet light module 130 and the at least partially transparent plate 120 of the water purification unit are placed in the cover element 140. When the bottle is closed, the ultraviolet light module 130 can thus radiate downwards onto the second side 125b of the at least partially transparent plate 120. It can be seen that the plate 120 is at least partially transparent, some of the ultraviolet light will be transmitted through the plate 120 and into the container body 110. Thus, the ultraviolet light radiation can purify water held inside the container body 110. Light that is not transmitted through the plate 120 can interact with the metal oxide nanoparticles and trigger a photocatalytic effect, which can also be used to purify water. It should however be understood that other placements of the ultraviolet light module 130 and the at least partially transparent plate 120 are possible. They can for example be placed in the bottom of the body 110 or on a side of the body 110.

[0047] The ultraviolet light module 130 can be a light bulb configured to radiate ultraviolet light. It can for example be configured to radiate ultraviolet light having a high energy content, for example UVC light. The ultraviolet light module 130 can also be a plurality of light bulbs or light modules placed in any pattern or position configured to radiate towards the at least partially transparent plate 120.

[0048] The at least partially transparent plate 120 can be a fully transparent glass plate. It can also be any other suitable material that is at least partially transparent and can allow ultraviolet light to pass through it. The plate 120 can have any thickness or shape suitable for the water container 100. For example, if the water container 100 has a cylindrical shape, the plate 120 can have a circular cross section and fit inside the water container such that all light from the ultraviolet light source 130 needs to pass through the plate 120 or be absorbed by it.

[0049] The container body 110 can be made of any suitable material. For example, the container body 110 can be made of metal, polished metal, or glass. If the container body is made of glass, it can allow sunlight to pass through the container body, which can be advantageous since the UV light of the sunlight can interact with the metal oxide coating.

[0050] The metal oxide nanoparticles can comprise titanium dioxide, Ti02, coated on one side of the at least partially transparent plate 120. The coating can also be placed on more than one side of the plate 120. The metal oxide can be configured to interact with a portion of the light from the UV light source 130 in order to create a photo-catalytic effect in the water and thereby purify the water. When the UV light interacts with the metal oxide, free radicals can be created and these free radicals in turn interact with the pollutants in the water, thereby having a purifying effect.

[0051] The water container 100 can further comprise a power source configured to power the UV light source 130. The power source can be any conventional power source, for example the power source can comprise a rechargeable battery pack, a solar cell, or a hand generator.

[0052] The water container 100 can further comprise a switch configured to turn the UV light source 130 on and off. The switch can be arranged at any position of the water container 100 so that the user can conveniently turn the UV light module 130 on and off. The switch can further be configured so that the UV light module 130 can only be turned on when the water container 100 is closed. This is to ensure that the user is not exposed to any UV light. The UV light module 130 can further be configured to turn on when the lid element 140 is in the closed position. For example, a sensor arranged between the lid element 140 and the container body 110 can be configured to control the UV light module 130. The switch can further be configured to act as a locking unit of the water container 100, thereby ensuring that the water container 100 is not accidentally opened. The switch can turn on while locking the water container 100, thereby ensuring that no water can spill out and that the UV light module 130 does not radiate any UV light outside the water container.

[0053] The at least partially transparent plate 120 can be slidably arranged inside the water container 100. This will mean that the user will be able to adjust the position of the at least partially transparent plate 120 by sliding it from the outside of the water container 100 inside the water container 100. This will ensure that the first side 125a of the at least partially transparent plate 120 can always be placed at the surface of the water inside the container body 110 to ensure that the photocatalytic action works properly and that the water is purified. However, it should be understood that other solutions are also possible. The water purification unit can for example be placed in the bottom of the water container 100, thereby ensuring that the water is always in contact with the at least partially transparent plate 120. If the purification unit is arranged in the cover element 140, the water container 100 can also be configured to be inverted to ensure that the water is in contact with the at least partially transparent plate 120.

[0054] The water container 100 can be any water container, for example it can be a water bottle for use by a person or a user. For example, as disclosed in relation to Figure 1 The water container 100 as disclosed can be filled with water from a tap, a stream or any water source that can contain water that needs to be purified before drinking.

[0055] The inside of the container body 110 can be made of a light-reflecting material. This can be advantageous as it can allow the UV light entering the container body 110 to be reflected multiple times inside the container body 110. This allows the UV light to interact with more contaminants in the water held inside the container body 110 and thus gives a better purification action. The UV light can also be reflected upwards and interact with the metal oxide nanoparticles coated on the at least partially transparent plate 120 which can trigger additional photocatalytic action.

[0056] Further, the inside of the container body 110 can also be coated with metal oxide nanoparticles, such as Ti02. This coating will give the possibility of having a cleaning and purification action on the water container 100 itself when the bottle is empty. This will be advantageous as the water container 100 will perform a self-cleaning. The container body 110 can be coated similarly to the at least partially transparent plate 120, coated with for example the same kind of metal oxide nanoparticles, but it should be understood that other metal oxides are also available.

[0057] Reference is made to Figure 2 Fig. 1 showing an exemplary at least partially transparent plate 200 according to the present application.

[0058] The at least partially transparent plate 200 comprises a plate body 210 and a coating consisting of metal oxide nanoparticles 220. The plate body 210 can have any convenient size so that it fits in the water container as disclosed in relation to Figure 1 The plate body 210 can for example have a cylindrical or rectangular shape. The size of the plate body 210 can be configured to fit exactly intoFigure 1 The plate body 210 can be removable from the water container, which can be advantageous in ensuring that the UV light source can be disconnected or serviced should it break or fail in any way.

[0059] The metal oxide nanoparticles can comprise a metal oxide, such as titanium dioxide. The metal oxide nanoparticles can also comprise a mixture of different metal oxides, where at least some of the nanoparticles cause photocatalysis when illuminated by UV light. The coating of metal oxide nanoparticles can be applied to one side of the plate body 210, it can also be applied to more than one side of the plate body.

[0060] The plate body 210 can comprise glass, plastic or any other available at least partially transparent material. The plate body 210 can further comprise a material that allows UV light frequencies to pass through the plate body 210.

[0061] The metal oxide nanoparticles can be placed so as to be evenly distributed over one or more sides of the plate body 210. The metal oxide nanoparticles can also be placed so that the coating surrounds the edge and leaves an area in the center of the plate body 210 that allows UV light to pass unimpeded. This can be advantageous in that more UV light can pass through the plate and clean the water while still retaining photocatalysis from the metal oxide nanoparticles along the edge. For example, if the plate body 210 has a circular cross-section, the area coated with metal oxide nanoparticles can be the area between two circles, where the first radius is equal to the radius of the plate body 210 and the second radius is smaller than the first. The relationship between the two radii can be different, as long as the area around the center of the plate body 210 is free of coating, or the metal oxide nanoparticles are placed at a sufficient distance to allow some UV light to pass through the plate body 210. It will be appreciated that other geometries of the area free of coating are possible if that is preferred.

[0062] Reference is made to Figure 3 , which demonstrates exemplary water containers 300a, 300b according to embodiments. Reference is made to Figure 1 for a more detailed description of features and components of the water containers 300a, 300b.

[0063] The water containers 300a, 300b comprise a cover element 340a, 340b. Figure 3Two different positions of the cover element 340a, 340b are shown. The cover element 340a is in a closed position. In the closed position, the ultraviolet light module 330a can be allowed to be turned on. The cover element 340b is in an open position. In the open position, the ultraviolet light module 330b can not be allowed to be turned on, which ensures that a user is not exposed to ultraviolet light when using the water container 300a, 300b.

[0064] When the cover element 340b is in the open position, the water container can also be maintained. For example, if the ultraviolet light module 330a, 330b stops working, then if the cover element 340b is in the open position, the ultraviolet light module can be replaced by removing the at least partially transparent plate 320a, 320b. The ultraviolet light module 330a, 330b can also be replaced in other ways, for example by having a hatch in the top of the cover element 340a, 340b that can be opened to reach the ultraviolet light module 330a, 330b.

[0065] The water container 300a, 300b comprises an opening 350b configured to receive water to fill the container body 320a, 320b. The opening 350b can be located directly below the cover element 340a, 340b or anywhere on the container body 310.

[0066] Reference is made to Figure 4 , an exemplary method for using a water container according to an embodiment is shown.

[0067] In a first step S1, a container body of a water container is filled with water. The water can be collected from any water source. For example, a contaminated water source such as certain streams, lakes, etc. can be used for the water container purification properties. In a second step S2, ultraviolet light is radiated from a first end of the water container towards a second end of the water container. The first side can for example be a top side of the water container and the light can be radiated towards a bottom portion of the water container. However, other positions of the light source are also possible. In a third step S3, at least a portion of the light is transmitted through an at least partially transparent plate towards the container body. The at least partially transparent plate comprises a coating of metal oxide nanoparticles on a first side facing the container body. In a fourth step S4, the light that has been transmitted through the plate illuminates the container body with ultraviolet light.

[0068] The method combines the purification properties of the ultraviolet light that illuminates the water inside the container body with the photocatalysis that occurs when the metal oxide nanoparticles on the first side of the at least partially transparent plate are illuminated with ultraviolet light.

[0069] The method can further comprise a step of closing a cover element before the second step S2, the cover element comprising at least one of the ultraviolet light source and the at least partially transparent plate. This can be advantageous because closing the cover before radiating the ultraviolet light reduces the risk of a user being exposed to the ultraviolet light.

[0070] The method can further comprise the step of reflecting the ultraviolet light inside the container body on the reflective wall of the container body, the step being subsequent to illuminating the container body. The ultraviolet light can be reflected to increase the interaction between the ultraviolet light and the pollutants in the water, and to increase the interaction with the metal oxide coating on the at least partially transparent plate to increase the photocatalysis.

[0071] Reference is made to Figure 5 , which shows an exemplary water container 500 according to an embodiment. Reference is made to Figure 1 A detailed explanation of all features is presented.

[0072] Figure 5 The water container 500 shown in comprises a container body 510 having a reflective inner surface. The reflective inner surface is configured to reflect ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet light source 530. An exemplary light beam 550 is shown being reflected multiple times on the inner walls of the container body 510.

[0073] The reflective inner surface of the container body can be composed of any available reflective material, such as a polished metal surface. The reflected light beam 550 can interact with pollutants in the water or be reflected towards the at least partially transparent plate 520 and be absorbed by the metal oxide nanoparticles, thereby creating photocatalysis.

[0074] Reference is made to Figure 6 , which shows an exemplary at least partially transparent plate 600 according to the present invention.

[0075] The at least partially transparent plate 600 can have any of the properties explained with respect to any other figure, such as Figure 2 .

[0076] According to the present invention, the at least partially transparent plate 600 can be configured for use in a water container or bottle. The at least partially transparent plate 600 can comprise a coating of metal oxide nanoparticles in a coated area 610 on a first side. The first side can be arranged towards a water-filled compartment of a water container or water bottle. The at least partially transparent plate 600 can further comprise a non-coated area 620 configured to allow light to pass through said at least partially transparent plate. The two areas 610, 620 can be determined by two radii r and R extending from a center point of the first side of the at least partially transparent plate to an edge of the coated area 610 and to an edge of the at least partially transparent plate 600, respectively. It is to be understood that other geometrical shapes than circular are possible for the at least partially transparent plate 600 and for the coated area 610 and the non-coated area 620.

[0077] Figure 6 The embodiment in may be advantageous as it allows UV light to pass through said non-coated area 620 to the water-filled container and at the same time allows photocatalysis to occur via the coated area 610.

[0078] Although features and elements are described above in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements or in various combinations with or without other features and elements. This way, various features and elements of the disclosure can be more meaningfully understood and put into practical effect.

[0079] In addition, variations to the disclosed embodiments can become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, once the above disclosure is considered. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the description nor with reference to the appended claims, but with reference to the patentable scope of the disclosure, which is understood as the set of equivalents of the disclosed features that functionally replace the disclosed features and serve the same purpose. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that different claims refer to a combination of features does not preclude that those features can be used in other claims, combination or in other claims.

Claims

1. A water container (100) for purifying water, said water container comprising: An opening (350b) is configured to receive water. A container body (110) is arranged to enclose the water; Cover element (140); as well as A water purification unit configured to purify the water, wherein the water purification unit includes: At least a partially transparent plate (120) comprising a coating of metal oxide nanoparticles (220) on a first side (125a) facing the container body, wherein the first side is configured to contact the water; and An ultraviolet light module (130) is configured to radiate toward a second side (125b) of the at least partially transparent plate, such that light from the ultraviolet light module at least partially passes through the at least partially transparent plate. The coating of metal oxide nanoparticles is placed along the edge of the at least partially transparent plate, allowing light from the ultraviolet light module to penetrate the uncovered areas of the at least partially transparent plate. The at least partially transparent plate is slidably arranged inside the water container, and the user can adjust the position of the at least partially transparent plate (120) by sliding the at least partially transparent plate (120) inside the water container (100) from the outside of the water container (100), ensuring that the first side (125a) of the at least partially transparent plate (120) can always be placed at the surface of the water inside the container body (110).

2. The water container according to claim 1, wherein, The coating of the metal oxide nanoparticles includes titanium dioxide (TiO2).

3. The water container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least partially transparent plate is a glass plate.

4. The water container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The ultraviolet light module is configured to radiate UVC light.

5. The water container according to claim 1, wherein, The ultraviolet light module is configured to be turned off when the cover element is in the open position, and the ultraviolet light source is configured to be turned on when the cover element is in the closed position.

6. The water container according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a switch configured to turn the ultraviolet light source on and off.

7. The water container of claim 5, further comprising an indicator configured to indicate whether the ultraviolet light source is on or off.

8. The water container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second side includes a coating of metal oxide nanoparticles.

9. The water container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The water container further includes a second water purification unit.

10. The water container according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a power source configured to supply power to an ultraviolet light source.

11. The water container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The interior of the container body is made of reflective material.

12. A method for purifying water in a water container according to claim 1, the method comprising: (S1) The container body of the water container is filled with water through the opening; (S2) Ultraviolet light is radiated from the first end of the water container toward the second end of the water container; (S3) Transmitting at least a portion of the ultraviolet light through at least a partially transparent plate toward the container body, wherein the at least partially transparent plate comprises a coating of metal oxide nanoparticles on a first side facing the container body; and (S4) Irradiate the container body with the ultraviolet light.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Before the ultraviolet light is emitted, the cover element, which includes the ultraviolet light module, is closed.

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