Alcohol-Based Photocatalyst Paste for Sunlight-Driven Wastewater Treatment
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wastewater treatment methods, particularly advanced oxidation methods using titanium dioxide (TiO2), face limitations such as environmental pollution, high costs, and limited effectiveness due to wavelength restrictions, necessitating a more efficient and environmentally friendly photocatalyst for rapid wastewater treatment.
Innovation Solution
A paste comprising an alcohol-based photocatalyst precursor with metal precursors like Zn, Sn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Co, or Ag is used to create a photocatalyst that can be easily manufactured and operated without harmful organic solvents, allowing for rapid pollutant treatment and sunlight absorption without environmental pollution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TiO2 is used for photo-oxidation method, then wastewater treatment effectiveness is improved, but the method is limited by wavelength restriction and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining metal precursors (Zn, Sn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Co, or Ag) with alcohol-based photocatalyst precursors to create a composite photocatalyst system. This composite structure enables the catalyst to absorb sunlight across a broader spectrum while maintaining high treatment effectiveness, resolving the wavelength restriction limitation of pure TiO2.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing multiple metal elements in specific concentrations (first metal precursor: 3.4×10−3 to 0.2 parts by mass per 100 parts alcohol paste; second metal precursor: 1.5×10−2 to 1 part by mass per 100 parts alcohol paste). This parameter optimization enables the photocatalyst to achieve both high effectiveness and broad spectral response.
2Reliability
If traditional wastewater treatment methods are used, then treatment capability is achieved, but environmental pollution and difficulty in recycling occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates harmful elements from the treatment process by replacing conventional methods that produce iron sludge with a photocatalyst system based on alcohol precursors. The resulting photocatalyst uses environmentally benign components that do not generate polluting byproducts, thereby removing the harmful factor while preserving treatment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts potentially harmful metal precursors into beneficial photocatalytic components through controlled synthesis. The metal precursors, which could be toxic in raw form, are transformed into a structured photocatalyst that degrades pollutants without generating harmful sludge, turning a potential harm into a benefit.
3Reliability
If complex manufacturing processes are used for photocatalyst, then photocatalyst performance is improved, but manufacturing simplicity and usability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing metal precursors with alcohol-based photocatalyst precursors to form a homogeneous paste before the actual photocatalyst synthesis. This preliminary preparation step ensures uniform distribution of metal elements, simplifying the subsequent manufacturing process while guaranteeing consistent photocatalyst performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple preparation steps into a single paste formulation process. By combining metal precursors, alcohol precursors, and other components into one homogeneous paste, the patent eliminates the need for separate mixing and preparation steps, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high photocatalyst performance through uniform composition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method provides a convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly means to produce a photocatalyst capable of rapid pollutant treatment and sunlight absorption, enhancing applicability and reducing environmental harm.
Implementation Method 1
a photocatalyst capable of rapidly treating pollutants and absorbing sunlight to produce good catalytic effects
Implementation Method 2
absorbing sunlight to produce good catalytic effects
Implementation Method 3
The treatment process of the advanced oxidation method mainly includes the oxidation of an organic substance by produced hydroxyl radicals having high oxidative capability
Implementation Method 4
the oxidation of an organic substance by produced hydroxyl radicals having high oxidative capability to achieve the effect of removing pollutants
Implementation Method 5
The mixed solution containing the photocatalyst is centrifuged to obtain the photocatalyst
Data Source
AI summary
A paste for manufacturing a photocatalyst is provided. The paste for manufacturing the photocatalyst includes an alcohol paste and a photocatalyst precursor. The photocatalyst precursor is dispersed in the alcohol paste, and the photocatalyst precursor includes a first metal precursor and a second metal precursor, wherein the first metal in the first metal precursor includes Zn, Sn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Co or Ag, and the second metal in the second metal precursor includes Fe.