Abstract: According to the present invention, provided are a method whereby a sterilization/deodorization gas is supplied by irradiating a stabilized chlorine dioxide gel or liquid with ultraviolet radiation, and a sterilization/deodorization gas supply apparatus which comprises: a chemical container used to hold a chemical gel or liquid which is used for sterilization and deodorization, and as an insecticide or an insectifuge; an ultraviolet radiation unit for projecting ultraviolet radiation onto the chemical and for generating a dispersed gas; and a gas discharge unit for extracting from the chemical container gas elements that are to be dispersed by the ultraviolet radiation unit. With this arrangement, a chlorine dioxide gas that can effectively perform sterilization and deodorization can be easily and safely stored, handled and supplemented by employing the chemical reactive propagative effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A purifier for water or air removes, reduces or detoxifies organic pollutants therefrom by causing the fluid to contact a matrix having surfaces with which a fixed anatase (TiO.sub.2) or other photoreactive metal semiconductor material is bonded, in the presence of light of a wavelength that will activate the material.

Abstract: Chlorine dioxide is produced by subjecting a chlorite to ultraviolet radiation. The source for chlorite may be an aqueous solution of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorite. Chloride ions and/or hydrogen ions may be added to the solution.

Abstract: A process for the photochemical dehydrogenation of alcohols comprises the steps of forming a suspension of semiconductor powder in the alcohol and photochemically activating the suspension in the presence of an oxidant with illumination having an energy at least equal to the band gap of the semiconductor powder. The process is one carried out at about ambient temperature and with gentle agitation. The semiconductor powder has the general formula A.sub.x B.sub.y C.sub.z where A is selected from Bi, Sn, Pt, Pd, Cu, Fe, W, V, Sb, Mo, Ru or Ag and mixtures thereof; B is Te, Sb, Ti, Cd, Mo, W or V and mixtures thereof; C is O or S; x equals 0.1 to 5; y equals 1 to 3; and z is a number necessary to satisfy the other elements, and is optionally metallized by an element selected from Pt, Pd, Cu or Ag.

Abstract: New catalysts for photo-assisted (i.e. promoted by light) oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions are disclosed. These catalysts consist of colloidal particles of a semiconductor, containing on their surface a reduction catalyst and an oxidation catalyst. In a first class of catalysts, the semiconductor has a difference of energy between valence band and conduction band such as to allow the hole-electron separation by absorption of visible light. This semiconductor is selected, in the case of the photo-decomposition of water, from the group consisting of TiO.sub.2 doped with Mn, Cr, or Cr and Nb; CdS doped with In or Ga; SrTiO.sub.3 doped with Cr or Mn; gallium phosphide; and cadmium sulphoselenide. In the case of the other photo-decomposition reactions, the semiconductor is selected from the group consisting of the above-mentioned compounds and CdS.