Photocatalyst Dispersing Element Using pH-Controlled Solvent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photocatalyst materials, such as titanium dioxide, face challenges in achieving sufficient performance in environments with limited ultraviolet light, and existing methods for dispersing photocatalysts on substrates often result in aggregation and reduced catalytic activity due to inadequate consideration of dispersibility and pH levels.
Innovation Solution
A photocatalyst dispersing element is created using a solvent with a hydrogen-ion exponent between pH 2.1 and pH 5.7 to inhibit aggregation and maintain catalytic activity, incorporating tungsten oxide as a photocatalyst material, which is dispersed in a fluent substance like a gel-like solvent, and a binding agent to enhance film hardness and transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If photocatalyst material is dispersed in conventional solvents without pH control, then the photocatalyst can be applied to substrates, but the photocatalyst material aggregates and dispersion becomes nonuniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the pH value of the solvent within a specific range (pH 1-6) to simultaneously achieve uniform dispersion and maintain catalytic activity. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal pH conditions where photocatalyst particles remain dispersed without aggregating while preserving their catalytic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (solvent with controlled pH) that mediates between the photocatalyst material and the substrate. This intermediary solvent, with its specifically adjusted pH, prevents direct aggregation of photocatalyst particles while allowing effective application to substrates, thus resolving the contradiction between dispersion uniformity and catalytic activity.
2Ease of operation
If photocatalyst material is dispersed in solvents with inappropriate pH, then application to substrates is simplified, but catalytic activity decreases due to aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains ease of operation by using a liquid solvent system that can be easily applied to substrates, while simultaneously optimizing the pH parameter (pH 1-6) to prevent aggregation and maintain catalytic activity. This resolves the contradiction by showing that convenient application and high catalytic activity can coexist with proper pH control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If titanium dioxide is used as photocatalyst material, then it can be excited by ultraviolet light, but sufficient performance cannot be obtained in rooms with little ultraviolet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining titanium dioxide with tungsten oxide in a photocatalyst composition. This composite structure enables the material to respond to both ultraviolet and visible light, resolving the contradiction between maintaining titanium dioxide's UV excitation capability and achieving visible light responsiveness for indoor applications. The composite material integrates the advantages of both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the band gap energy characteristics of the photocatalyst material through composition adjustment. By incorporating tungsten oxide with appropriate band gap properties, the system can utilize visible light (lower energy) in addition to ultraviolet light, thereby expanding the light response range while maintaining catalytic performance in indoor environments.
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
This approach ensures uniform dispersion and maintains high catalytic activity of the photocatalyst, effectively degrading pollutants like acetaldehyde gas under visible light, even in low UV environments, and enhances the photocatalyst film's durability and transparency.
Implementation Method 1
a photocatalyst material as represented by titanium dioxide... enters into an excited state by being irradiated with light having larger energy than the band gap energy between the conduction band and the valence band and generates a pair of electron and hole
Implementation Method 2
the oxidative active oxygen species cause degradation activity... effectively degrading pollutants like acetaldehyde gas under visible light
Data Source
AI summary
A photocatalyst dispersing element includes: a photocatalyst material; and a solvent. A hydrogen-ion exponent of the solvent is in a range of pH 2.1 or more and pH 5.7 or less. A method for manufacturing a photocatalyst dispersing element includes: adjusting a hydrogen-ion exponent in a solvent to be in a range of inhibiting aggregation of a photocatalyst material and of suppressing lowering of a degree of catalytic activity of the photocatalyst material; and mixing the photocatalyst material with the solvent.