Photocatalytic Bacteria Destruction

• ØAccording to UNICEF,nearly 6,000 people die each day due to water related illnesses

• Solar Detoxification: Inexpensive and Efficient Approach

• ØSunlight can supply energy for chemical reactions that destroy contaminants in air or water

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• ØPhotochemical reactions can be enhanced by using  photocatalysts that absorb ultra-violet light from the solar spectrum to power chemical reaction

• Catalysis is a promotion of specific chemical reactions by the addition of a substance, the catalyst, which itself remains unaltered after the reaction has completed

• Photocatalysis is catalysis under light irradiation

• ØEfficient photocatalysts destroy the contaminant millions of times faster than traditional oxidants such as oxygen, or ozone.  

• ØTiO₂ is environmentally friendly inexpensive photocatalyst. However, it only absorbs 3% of the solar spectrum. As result, a substantial portion of the sunlight does not produce a reaction.  Therefore, an efficient photocatalyst capable of utilizing solar energy is needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• ØAfter the deliberate release of Bacillus anthracis spores (anthrax) in 2001, the quality and decontamination of air that flows in air-conditioning ducts has come to the forefront

• ØThe indoor air environment is currently considered one of the most important health concerns for industrialized nations

• ØIndoor air pollution can be 2-5 times higher than outdoor pollution due to poor air exchanges and accumulation

• ØPhotocatalysis has been proven to kill airborne microorganisms