Photohydroionization Cell Coating for Airborne Microbe and Odor Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultraviolet light systems are ineffective in addressing airborne microbes and odors, as germicidal UV light only affects airborne microorganisms directly and can produce toxic ozone levels, while traditional oxidation processes lack the necessary strength to react with gases and vapors effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a broad spectrum ultraviolet light source in conjunction with a catalytic target structure coated with titanium dioxide, silver, copper, and rhodium, which reacts with hydrate to form advanced oxidation products like Hydroxyl Radicals, Ozone, and Hydroperoxide, effectively oxidizing microbes and odor-causing chemicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If germicidal ultraviolet light (254 nm) is used to inactivate microorganisms, then airborne microorganisms are reduced, but gasses, vapors, and odors are not affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of UV light from conventional 254 nm to include 185 nm and 254 nm bands, enabling both germicidal action and ozone generation. It also changes the chemical state by introducing oxygen to react with UV-generated radicals, creating hydroxyl radicals and other oxidizing agents that can treat gases, vapors, and odors effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite approach by combining UV light sources with specific oxygen concentrations and catalytic surfaces (titanium dioxide, silver, copper, rhodium) to create a multi-functional system that simultaneously achieves microbial inactivation, odor removal, and chemical oxidation.
2Strength
If ultraviolet light energy (185 nm) is applied to create ozone gas, then strong oxidation capability is achieved, but toxic ozone levels and undesired environmental reactions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized zones of high oxidation capability near the UV source and catalytic surfaces where contaminant destruction occurs, while the overall environmental ozone levels remain controlled. The oxidation action is concentrated where needed rather than distributed uniformly, reducing harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful ozone generation into a beneficial process by using it to create hydroxyl radicals and other oxidizing agents that destroy contaminants. The ozone that would otherwise be toxic is instead used as an intermediate to produce more effective oxidizers that break down pollutants.
3Ease of operation
If conventional oxidation processes are used, then simple operation is maintained, but effectiveness in reacting with gases and vapors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to operate automatically with UV lights and oxygen injection, requiring minimal manual intervention. The process self-regulates through the natural photochemical reactions and catalytic surfaces, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high oxidation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dramatically improves oxidation productivity by changing the fundamental parameters of the oxidation process - using UV-generated radicals and catalytic surfaces to create highly reactive oxidizing agents that react rapidly with gases and vapors, achieving effectiveness far superior to conventional oxidation methods.
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 system creates a safer, more effective oxidation process that reduces microbes and odors by producing strong oxidizers that react with contaminants, reverting to safe by-products, and requires minimal maintenance, outperforming conventional UV and ozone generation systems.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet light source for emitting ultraviolet light, the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source including ultraviolet light energy at about 100 nm and at about 300 nm
Implementation Method 2
the surface of the catalytic target structure after contact with ultraviolet light reacts with hydrate at the surface to form advanced oxidation product
Implementation Method 3
the catalytic target structure including a surface for contact by ultraviolet light from at least one ultraviolet light source, the surface of at least one catalytic target structure comprising titanium dioxide and at least one of the following metallic compounds
Implementation Method 4
These advanced oxidation products comprise strong and effective oxidizers that react with undesired compounds in an environment
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system, and method, for the formation of advanced oxidation products by contacting a hydrated catalytic surface of a catalytic target structure with broad spectrum ultraviolet light in the 100 nm to 300 nm range that preferably includes 185 nm and 254 nm wavelengths. The catalytic surface reacts with the ultraviolet light energy and hydrate at the catalytic surface to form advanced oxidation products. The catalytic surface in one embodiment includes a hydrophilic agent, titanium dioxide, silver, copper, and rhodium. Preferably, the catalytic surface is coated with a coating that includes the hydrophilic agent, titanium dioxide, silver, copper, and rhodium. A photohydroionization cell (100) that includes an ultraviolet light source (204) and a catalytic target structure (110) in an air environment to form advanced oxidation product is also provided. A U.V. light indicator and a monitor and/or control system for the photohydroionization cell (100) are also provided.