UV-Activated Chlorite Composition for Controlled ClO2 Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlled release of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) gas are challenging due to uncontrolled timing of production, as they often rely on exposure to moisture or visible light, leading to premature release and lack of control over ClO2 generation in commercial applications.
Innovation Solution
Compositions containing chlorite ions generate ClO2 gas upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and moisture, using a two-stage protocol that prevents significant release without both stimuli, allowing for controlled and delayed production of ClO2, suitable for large-scale commercial applications like food and medical product packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chlorite compositions are exposed to moisture or visible light to generate ClO2 gas, then ClO2 production is triggered, but the timing of release cannot be controlled and premature release occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ClO2 generation process into two distinct stages: (1) UV light exposure that activates chlorite ions to form a reactive intermediate species, and (2) subsequent moisture exposure that triggers ClO2 gas release from the activated species. This segmentation allows independent control of each stage, enabling precise timing control where UV activation can occur during manufacturing or storage, and moisture exposure is controlled to occur only at the desired release moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing UV light activation before the actual ClO2 release is needed. The chlorite ions are pre-activated by UV exposure to form a stable intermediate species that can be stored and transported. The actual ClO2 gas generation is then triggered on-demand by controlled moisture exposure, allowing the release timing to be determined at the point of use rather than occurring prematurely during manufacturing or storage.
2Ease of operation
If energy-activated catalysts or acid-releasing compounds are used to trigger ClO2 production, then ClO2 can be generated upon exposure to light or moisture, but inadvertent exposure to ambient conditions causes uncontrolled release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a UV-activated intermediate species as a mediator between the chlorite ions and the final ClO2 gas product. This intermediate species is formed by UV light exposure but does not spontaneously decompose to release ClO2 without subsequent moisture exposure. The intermediate acts as a stable bridge that decouples the activation step from the gas release step, preventing inadvertent release during handling while maintaining ease of triggered release when both UV and moisture are provided in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameter from visible light or chemical triggers to UV light with specific wavelengths (200-400 nm). This parameter change is critical because UV light at these wavelengths can penetrate packaging materials and can be provided as a controlled external stimulus rather than relying on ambient visible light. Combined with the two-stage process, this parameter change ensures that ClO2 release occurs only when deliberately exposed to UV followed by moisture, eliminating premature release from ambient conditions.
3Reliability
If compositions require dark or dry storage to prevent premature ClO2 generation, then ClO2 release can be controlled, but manufacturing and storage complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the UV activation step as a preliminary action during manufacturing or before storage, creating a stable activated intermediate that does not require dark or dry storage conditions. Unlike previous compositions that needed restrictive storage environments, the UV-activated intermediate remains stable under normal storage conditions and only releases ClO2 when subsequently exposed to moisture. This eliminates the need for complex storage infrastructure while maintaining reliable control over ClO2 release timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the UV activation step from the storage and handling conditions. By separating the activation function (UV light exposure) from the storage requirements, the composition can be manufactured and stored without special dark or dry environment constraints. The UV activation is provided as a discrete, controllable input at the appropriate time, rather than requiring continuous environmental control during storage, thereby simplifying the overall system complexity.
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 provides a more controlled and efficient release of ClO2 gas, preventing premature generation and allowing for regulated amounts to be released at desired times, enhancing the disinfection and deodorization of products without the need for dark or dry storage conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The compositions are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light and are exposed to moisture resulting in the generation of chlorine dioxide gas
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions and methods for generating ClO2 gas are disclosed. A composition that includes a chlorite salt is activated by exposure to ultraviolet light. After an optional storage period, the composition is then exposed to moisture, resulting in the generation of ClO2 gas. Exemplary compositions include polymers in which the chlorite salt is dispersed. The polymers may be used to form films that can be used to package, e.g., food products, pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and/or laboratory devices. Upon exposure to ultraviolet light and moisture, the packaging releases controlled quantities of ClO2 gas, which may disinfect and/or deodorize the packaged device or product.