Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Generation Without Ozone or Hydration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) for environmental disinfection and microbial control are limited by the production of hydrated forms and inhibition by reactive plasma species and organic contaminants, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A photocatalytic process using a purpose-designed morphology to preferentially produce hydrogen peroxide gas by oxidizing water and reducing oxygen, while minimizing reduction of hydrogen peroxide, and a diffuser apparatus with a metal oxide catalyst and UV light source to generate PHPG free from hydration, ozone, and organic species for environmental release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vaporized aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide are used for disinfection, then antimicrobial properties are achieved, but the hydrogen peroxide molecules are surrounded by water molecules which attenuates their ability to directly interact with the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions hydrogen peroxide from liquid aqueous solution phase to gas phase through controlled vaporization and drying processes. This phase transition removes water molecules that surround and attenuate hydrogen peroxide molecules in liquid form, allowing the gas phase hydrogen peroxide to directly interact with the environment through electrostatic means while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy.
2Productivity
If conventional photocatalytic processes are used to produce hydrogen peroxide gas, then hydrogen peroxide is generated, but reactive plasma species and organic contaminants inhibit hydrogen peroxide production and destroy it
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes harmful reactive plasma species and organic contaminants from the photocatalytic reaction environment. By eliminating these inhibitory substances, the system allows hydrogen peroxide production to proceed without destruction by reactive species, significantly increasing net hydrogen peroxide output.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key parameters of the photocatalytic process including using specific UV wavelengths (254 nm), controlling reaction conditions, and adjusting operational parameters to favor hydrogen peroxide production while minimizing the formation of destructive plasma species. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between production and destruction.
3Reliability
If hydrogen peroxide concentration is increased for effective disinfection, then microbial control efficacy improves, but concentrations exceed the 1.0 ppm OSHA workplace safety limit
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates localized high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide gas at the point of application where disinfection is needed, while maintaining low ambient concentrations in the surrounding environment. This spatial differentiation allows effective microbial control at the target site without exceeding OSHA safety limits in occupied areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from uniform ambient distribution to targeted localized delivery of hydrogen peroxide. By using controlled release mechanisms and directional application methods, the system achieves high efficacy at the point of need while keeping overall environmental concentrations safe.
4Productivity
If photocatalytic reactors are designed to maximize residence time for organic contaminant oxidation, then organic pollutant removal improves, but hydrogen peroxide is preferentially reduced as it moves downstream
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the photocatalytic reactor into distinct functional zones: one zone optimized for hydrogen peroxide production with short residence time, and another zone for organic contaminant oxidation with longer residence time. This spatial segmentation allows hydrogen peroxide to be produced and extracted before it can be reduced, while still achieving effective organic pollutant removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary extraction of hydrogen peroxide from the photocatalytic reactor before it can undergo reduction reactions. By removing hydrogen peroxide early in the process, the system prevents its destruction while allowing the remaining reaction time to oxidize organic contaminants.
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 achieves PHPG output up to 150 times greater than standard photocatalytic reactors, with concentrations safe for occupied areas, effectively disinfecting surfaces and air, and reducing VOCs and ozone levels.
Implementation Method 1
a photocatalytic process using a purpose-designed morphology to preferentially produce hydrogen peroxide gas by oxidizing water and reducing oxygen
Implementation Method 2
Titanium dioxide is chemically stable, has a suitable bandgap for UV/Visible photoactivation
Implementation Method 3
Light in the ultraviolet range emits photons at a frequency that when absorbed has sufficient energy to break chemical bonds
Implementation Method 4
produce hydrogen peroxide gas by oxidizing water
Implementation Method 5
reducing oxygen
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and devices for providing microbial control and/or disinfection/remediation of an environment. The methods generally comprise: generating a Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) that is substantially free of, e.g., hydration, ozone, plasma species, and/or organic species; and directing the gas comprising primarily PHPG into the environment such that the PHPG acts to provide microbial control and/or disinfection/remediation in the environment, preferably both on surfaces and in the air.