UV Photocatalytic Diffuser for Pure Hydrogen Peroxide Air Disinfection
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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, ozone, plasma species, and organic contaminants, which inhibit the release and effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a thin, sail-like air-permeable substrate with a photocatalytic metal or metal oxide catalyst, illuminated by UV light, generates PHPG that is substantially free of hydration, ozone, and organic species, with reduced residence time to enhance microbial control and disinfection, using a diffuser apparatus with a UV light source and air distribution mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vaporized aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions are used for disinfection, then antimicrobial properties are achieved, but the process produces aerosol microdroplets with bonded water molecules that attenuate electrostatic interaction ability and exceed OSHA safety limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions hydrogen peroxide from liquid aqueous solution to gas phase through photocatalytic decomposition, eliminating aerosol formation. The photocatalyst surface facilitates decomposition of H2O2 into water and oxygen gases, achieving disinfection without liquid droplet aerosols that cause water bonding attenuation and safety issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical vaporization heating with photocatalytic decomposition using UV light activation. This substitution eliminates thermal aerosol generation and directly produces purified hydrogen peroxide gas through photochemical reactions on the catalyst surface, avoiding water bonding attenuation problems
2Quantity of substance
If photocatalytic reactors are used to generate hydrogen peroxide, then PHPG is produced, but the reactors also generate plasma species, ozone, and organic contaminants that inhibit PHPG release and effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes harmful plasma species, ozone, and organic contaminants from the photocatalytic reaction zone through optimized reactor design and gas flow control. The system separates PHPG production from harmful byproduct accumulation, allowing pure hydrogen peroxide gas to be released without inhibition from contaminant reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes reaction parameters including UV light wavelength, catalyst composition, and gas flow rate to favor PHPG production while minimizing harmful byproducts. By controlling these parameters, the system achieves high hydrogen peroxide yield while suppressing ozone formation and organic contaminant generation
3Reliability
If standard photocatalytic reactors are used for disinfection, then microbial control is achieved, but PHPG concentrations are limited and require extended residence time reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite photocatalyst materials with enhanced activity and selectivity for hydrogen peroxide production. The composite catalyst structure increases PHPG generation rate and stability, achieving effective microbial control at higher concentrations without requiring extended residence times
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic gas flow control and reactor operation modes that optimize PHPG production and release. By dynamically adjusting flow rates and residence time, the system maintains high PHPG concentrations for effective disinfection while maximizing productivity through continuous operation
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 solution achieves PHPG concentrations up to 150 times greater than standard photocatalytic reactors, effectively disinfecting surfaces and air while maintaining safety below OSHA limits, with proven efficacy against pathogens like MRSA, Norovirus, and Aspergillus Niger, and reducing VOCs and ozone in ambient air.
Implementation Method 1
generating a gas comprising Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) that is substantially free of hydration, ozone, plasma species, and/or organic species by: flowing humid ambient air perpendicularly through a thin, sail-like air-permeable substrate affixed with a photocatalytic metal or metal oxide catalyst defining a reactor structure which is illuminated by ultraviolet (UV) light
Implementation Method 2
a source of ultraviolet light
Data Source
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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. The vaporous hydrogen peroxide is generated from oxygen and water of the ambient air. Further, a diffuser apparatus for producing PHPG is disclosed, the latter comprising a source of ultraviolet light; a metal or metal oxide photo catalyst (e.g. TiO2), catalyst substrate structure; and an air distribution mechanism, wherein the morphology of the catalyst on its substrate is a thin, sail-like air-permeable structure, situated perpendicular to air flow through the diffuser apparatus; and wherein said morphology is supposed to alter the reaction equilibrium of the catalyst such that it produces hydrogen peroxide from both the oxidation of water and from the reduction of dioxygen.