Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a titania coated alumina fiber aggregate which includes the steps of: forming an aluminum fiber aggregate where aluminum fibers are aggregated with density per unit volume of 0.5 g/cm3 to 3 g/cm3; forming an alumina fiber aggregate where an oxide film having a film thickness of 50 nm or more is formed on alumina fibers; and forming a titania coated alumina fiber aggregate where a titania thin film is formed on alumina fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing water having redox activity. In the apparatus, at least one of oxygen, ozone, chlorine, nitrogen monoxide, and ammonia as a reaction precursor is previously mixed into water or running water while regulating the concentration of the dissolved substance followed by the application of ultrasonic vibrations, whereby active oxygen species are generated in water. In another embodiment, water or running water is brought into contact with a catalyst to which ultrasonic vibrations or electromagnetic waves have been applied, whereby active oxygen species are generated in water.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a titania coated alumina fiber aggregate which includes the steps of: forming an aluminum fiber aggregate where aluminum fibers are aggregated with density per unit volume of 0.5 g/cm3 to 3 g/cm3; forming an alumina fiber aggregate where an oxide film having a film thickness of 50 nm or more is formed on alumina fibers; and forming a titania coated alumina fiber aggregate where a titania thin film is formed on alumina fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing photocatalytic reaction water through a photocatalytic reaction, which can produce water containing a satisfactory amount of active oxygen species, can eliminate microorganisms, parasites or protozoa, shows high oxidizing ability for a prolonged period of time, can reduce the power requirements, is small in size, and is applicable to various devices. A photocatalyst is radiated with light emitted from a light source to produce active oxygen species, and the active oxygen species is diffused in water, whereby the water is provided with functions of the active oxygen species. An oxidation reaction with the water is utilized to perform at least one selected from the elimination of microorganisms, the elimination of parasites, and the elimination of protozoa.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preventing diseases in plants which can bring about a redox reaction in the inside of plant cells thus inducing the expression of pathogen-resistance genes in the plant cells. There is no possibility that residual contents remain in soils. It is also possible to cultivate plants which are strong against diseases. By bringing water which contains reactive oxygen species and allows the reactive oxygen species to be held and to function for a long period into contact with plants, the expression of the pathogen-resistance genes which the plants possess is induced. Accordingly, the water containing reactive oxygen is absorbed into the plants to prevent diseases in plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing water having redox activity. In the apparatus, at least one of oxygen, ozone, chlorine, nitrogen monoxide, and ammonia as a reaction precursor is previously mixed into water or running water while regulating the concentration of the dissolved substance followed by the application of ultrasonic vibrations, whereby active oxygen species are generated in water. In another embodiment, water or running water is brought into contact with a catalyst to which ultrasonic vibrations or electromagnetic waves have been applied, whereby active oxygen species are generated in water.

Abstract: In the formation of an oxide film on an aluminum fiber, it has been difficult to form a thick alumina coating film on the aluminum fiber which already has a natural oxide film formed thereon. To overcome this problem, there is provided a method for forming an alumina coating film which enables the deep penetration of oxygen into an aluminum fiber by employing a three-stage heating treatment and an alumina fiber formed by the method. Also provided is a system for producing water by photocatalytic reaction, in which a photocatalyst comprising the alumina fiber coated with titania is irradiated with light from a light source to generate an active oxygen species, diffusing the active oxygen species in water to impart the function of the active oxygen species to water. The system can perform washing by utilizing an oxidation reaction with the resulting water. Further, provided is a gas treatment system which comprises the alumina fiber coated with titania to impart a photocatalytic function to the aluminum fiber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing photocatalytic reaction water through a photocatalytic reaction, which can produce water containing a satisfactory amount of active oxygen species, can eliminate microorganisms, parasites or protozoa, shows high oxidizing ability for a prolonged period of time, can reduce the power requirements, is small in size, and is applicable to various devices. A photocatalyst is radiated with light emitted from a light source to produce active oxygen species, and the active oxygen species is diffused in water, whereby the water is provided with functions of the active oxygen species. An oxidation reaction with the water is utilized to perform at least one selected from the elimination of microorganisms, the elimination of parasites, and the elimination of protozoa.