UV-Activated TiO2 Nanoparticle Coating for Sunlight-Independent Water Purification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water purification systems in containers rely on sunlight for photocatalytic effects, which are not available in all situations, limiting their effectiveness and availability.
Innovation Solution
A water container design incorporating an at least partially transparent plate coated with metal-oxide nanoparticles, such as Titanium Dioxide, that utilizes both UV light and photocatalytic effects for water purification, allowing for UV light to pass through and interact with the nanoparticles to create radicals that purify water, even in the absence of sunlight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If water purification systems rely on sunlight for photocatalytic effects, then the system can purify water using natural light, but the system becomes unavailable when sunlight is not present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an artificial UV light source as an intermediary to replace sunlight in activating the photocatalytic effect. The UV light module emits ultraviolet light that passes through the transparent plate coated with TiO2 nanoparticles, triggering the same photocatalytic reaction that would normally require sunlight, thereby enabling water purification in the absence of natural light
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from natural sunlight (broad spectrum) to artificial UV light (specific wavelength range). By using a UV light module that emits at wavelengths effective for photocatalysis (particularly UVC range), the system maintains the photocatalytic activation capability while becoming independent of sunlight availability
2Productivity
If large areas of TiO2 are used to achieve good photocatalytic effect, then water purification effectiveness improves, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the photocatalytic coating locally on one side of a transparent plate rather than requiring large surface areas. The TiO2 nanoparticle coating is concentrated on the plate surface that faces the UV light source, creating a localized high-density photocatalytic zone where UV light activates the nanoparticles to generate radicals for water purification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining a transparent plate material (allowing UV transmission) with a photocatalytic coating layer (TiO2 nanoparticles). This composite design enables the plate to serve dual functions: transmitting UV light from the artificial source while providing a surface for photocatalytic reaction, thereby achieving effective purification in a compact form
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 solution provides a low-cost, portable, and efficient method for water purification in small spaces, ensuring drinkable water without relying on sunlight, using UV light to activate the photocatalytic effect of metal-oxide nanoparticles for effective pollutant degradation.
Implementation Method 1
When certain engineered metal-oxide nanomaterials are exposed to ultraviolet radiation while in contact with water they can produce radicals that may be harmful to pollutant organisms in the water
Implementation Method 2
TiO2+hv→e31+h+vb
Implementation Method 3
an ultraviolet light module configured to radiate towards a second side of the at least partially transparent plate such that light from the ultraviolet light module at least partially passes through the at least partially transparent plate
Implementation Method 4
OH−+h+vb→HO.
Implementation Method 5
The above reaction has been found to mineralize and decompose undesirable compounds in the environment where it takes place
Data Source
AI summary
A water container for purifying water. The water container includes an opening configured to receive water, a container body arranged to enclose the water and a water purifying unit configured to purify the water. The water purifying unit includes an at least partially transparent plate, which includes a coating of metal-oxide nanoparticles on a first side facing the container body, wherein the first side is configured to be in contact with the water, and an ultraviolet light module configured to radiate towards a second side of the at least partially transparent plate such that light from the ultraviolet light module at least partially passes through the at least partially transparent plate. Also, a method for purifying water within a water container.