Hydrogen Peroxide Generation via Triboelectric Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing hydrogen peroxide result in toxic levels due to insulation by water molecules and the generation of ozone, which hinders its effectiveness and safety for use in occupied spaces.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using a triboelectrically neutral substrate with a catalyst, such as titanium dioxide, and an energy source to produce pure hydrogen peroxide gas without ozone, allowing for self-regulation and safe concentrations by reacting water vapor and oxygen in ambient air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art methods are used to produce hydrogen peroxide, then hydrogen peroxide is generated, but water molecules insulate the hydrogen peroxide molecules preventing electrostatic attraction to microbes and self-regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes water molecules from the hydrogen peroxide production process. The apparatus specifically generates hydrogen peroxide without the presence of water molecules that would otherwise insulate the H2O2 molecules, thereby enabling direct electrostatic attraction to microbial surfaces and self-regulation through decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the hydrogen peroxide production process by controlling the reaction conditions to produce pure H2O2 molecules without water molecule insulation. This is achieved through specific electrochemical reactions that directly generate H2O2 in a water-free state.
2Productivity
If prior art production mechanisms are used, then hydrogen peroxide is produced, but ozone is generated as a harmful byproduct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful ozone generation side effect into a beneficial selective production process. By using specific electrochemical cells with controlled potentials, the system selectively produces hydrogen peroxide while avoiding the conditions that generate ozone, thereby eliminating the harmful byproduct while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrochemical parameters of the production process by controlling the electrode potentials and reaction conditions to favor hydrogen peroxide formation over ozone formation. This parameter control ensures high H2O2 yield without generating harmful ozone levels.
3Reliability
If high levels of hydrogen peroxide are produced, then disinfection effectiveness increases, but toxicity to humans increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where hydrogen peroxide molecules self-regulate their concentration through natural decomposition. The absence of water molecule insulation allows H2O2 to decompose at controlled rates, automatically maintaining safe concentration levels while providing continuous disinfection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogen peroxide system serves itself by automatically decomposing when concentration becomes excessive. The pure H2O2 molecules, without water insulation, naturally decompose through their unstable peroxide bonds, providing self-regulating safety without requiring external control mechanisms.
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 apparatus generates hydrogen peroxide at safe levels (0.02-0.03 ppm) without ozone, ensuring continuous and effective disinfection without toxicity or residue, maintaining equilibrium concentration and avoiding ozone formation.
Implementation Method 1
a catalyst disposed upon the substrate... to produce pure hydrogen peroxide gas
Implementation Method 2
an energy source to provide energy for a reaction to occur
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for the production of hydrogen peroxide. The apparatus can have a substrate consisting of a substantially triboelectrically neutral material, a catalyst disposed upon the substrate, and an energy source to provide energy for ambient oxygen and water vapor to react and form hydrogen peroxide. The apparatus does not produce any ozone as a byproduct. The apparatus produces pure hydrogen peroxide gas which is not insulated by water molecules. Further the hydrogen peroxide gas, due to the fact that it is uninsulated by water molecules, is self-regulating to a concentration of 0.03 parts per million even when continuously produced by the apparatus.