Ozone Decomposition via MOF Catalyst for Rapid Space Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ozone generators require extended periods for ozone treatment and decomposition in enclosed spaces, posing risks due to prolonged exposure and inefficiencies in reuse time.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a remotely operated ozone generator with a converter unit using a novel Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) catalyst to quickly decompose ozone back to oxygen, allowing for efficient pathogen inactivation and rapid space reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ozone is used for pathogen inactivation in enclosed spaces, then pathogen killing effectiveness is improved, but the treatment time and decomposition time are extended
Solution Approach 1:
A catalytic converter containing manganese dioxide catalyst is introduced as an intermediary component to accelerate the decomposition of ozone into oxygen. The converter is positioned between the ozone generation chamber and the enclosed treatment space, allowing rapid conversion of residual ozone to safe oxygen levels, thereby reducing the waiting time required before the treated space can be safely reused.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the chemical state parameter of ozone by using a catalyst to transform it from a harmful pathogen-killing agent back into harmless oxygen. This parameter change (from O3 to O2) is accelerated by the catalytic converter, enabling rapid space reuse while maintaining the pathogen inactivation effectiveness during the treatment phase.
2Productivity
If higher ozone concentration is used for faster pathogen inactivation, then treatment efficiency is improved, but the risk of ozone damage to respiratory tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catalytic converter acts as a safety intermediary that rapidly converts residual high-concentration ozone into oxygen before the air is returned to the enclosed space. This ensures that while high ozone concentrations can be used effectively for pathogen inactivation, the decomposed oxygen prevents any harmful exposure to respiratory tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful residual ozone (which could damage respiratory tissues) into beneficial oxygen through the catalytic converter. The same ozone that kills pathogens is subsequently transformed into safe oxygen, turning a potential harm into a benefit and enabling higher concentrations to be used safely for shorter durations.
3Reliability
If extended ozone treatment time is used to ensure complete pathogen inactivation, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the reuse time of the treatment space is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The catalytic converter serves as a rapid decomposition intermediary that can be activated after the treatment phase. It quickly converts any remaining ozone to oxygen, allowing the treatment space to be reused much faster than would be possible with natural ozone decomposition, thereby improving space reuse efficiency while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary pathogen inactivation with ozone, then immediately follows up with catalytic decomposition to convert residual ozone to oxygen. This two-stage preliminary action sequence ensures complete sterilization while minimizing the total time the space remains unavailable for reuse.
Data Source
AI summary
An ozone treatment system which is usable in enclosed or confined spaces for the inactivation of pathogens such as bacteria and viruses in these spaces.