Anchored Titanium Dioxide Photo-catalyst in the form of Nano Fiber Mats for organic waste treatment and upgrading drinking water
Technology brief
Nano fibers of TiO2 are formed in a mat like a scotch pad with the fibers nearest the plate attached to the plate and in this way anchoring them in place. Water containing contaminates flows through and over the face of the TiO2 nano fibers while exposed to high intensity UV light. This causes the TiO2 to react with the contaminates causing an oxidative breakdown of the organic contaminates. This system is able to break down lignin into fatty acids
Description of the technical advantages
The anchoring of the TiO2 as nano fibers on a metal plate allows a more controlled catalytic reaction without having to recapture the TiO2 from the liquid after the reaction.
The sustainability of the technical advantages
This is the only system that can hold titanium dioxide catalyst in location to allow for a continuous flow operation. All other systems using titanium dioxide used particles suspended in the fluid which must be recovered at the end of the batch process. Recoveries imperfect as a result some of the high cost titanium dioxide is lost.
Prospective market value/business value
The market value of this technology will be closely linked to the price of titanium. Thus the cost of the system must be justified by the value of the water quality improvements made by the system.