Abstract: Toxic organic materials contaminate water resources and one need to find an easy and energy efficient way to decontaminate water resources. The current invention discloses a photocatalyst Fe doped ZnO nano-particle photocatalyst that enables the decontamination process by degrading toxic organic material such as brilliant cresyl blue, indigo carmine and gentian blue by using solar light. In the current disclosure many examples of characterization of the photocatalyst, optimal working conditions and efficient use of solar light has been described. The process described to use the photocatalyst to degrade toxic organic material using the solar light to activate the photocatalyst is cost efficient and cheap to clean our water resources.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and process integrating the chemical-free oxidation of a photocatalytic decontamination process with a biological decontamination system to eliminate the THM and HAA precursors in drinking water. In one embodiment, a system may comprise a source providing fluid media contaminated with toxic natural organic matter, and a photocatalytic decontamination subsystem configured to oxidize the toxic natural organic matter via a photocatalytic process into non-toxic natural organic matter having a molecular weight low enough for biodegrading said non-toxic matter. The system may include a biological decontamination subsystem configured to immediately receive the contaminated fluid output from the photocatalytic decontamination subsystem, and employing a biological agent to biologically degrade the low-molecular weight non-toxic natural organic matter in the contaminated fluid to a concentration sufficient to prevent the formation of trihalomethanes or haloacetic acids.

Abstract: The present invention uses an active photocatalytic reactor to process biological culturing water. The process is accelerated. Water used in a biological culturing system is stabilized with pollutant in the water reduced. The active photocatalytic reactor is less affected by outside environment while having faster activating speed. The active photocatalytic reactor can be combined with a traditional filter to form a serial or parallel connection for more effectively purifying the culturing water with damage to the whole system avoided.

Abstract: A simple, room-temperature method of producing CuO-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles was established by reacting zinc nitrate hexahydrate, copper nitrate trihydrate and cyclohexylamine (CHA) at room temperature. These nanoparticles may be used for photocatalytic degradation of cyanide in aqueous solutions. The degradation of cyanide is effective because electrons transfer from the p-type copper oxide to the n-type zinc oxide.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems for water treatment, as well as methods for treating water, are provided. An apparatus for water treatment may include one or more reactors configured for water treatment, one or more light sources configured to provide ultraviolet light inside the one or more reactors, a photocatalyst positioned in each of the one or more reactors and configured to receive the ultraviolet light from the one or more light sources, and a pure oxygen source coupled to the one or more reactors and configured to supply pure oxygen to the water.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium disposed in an artificial container. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one of a plasmonics agent and an energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy through the artificial container to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a solar-activated photochemical fluid treatment system, some of which comprise a fluid vessel, a porous enclosure positioned inside of the fluid vessel, a porous enclosure positioned inside of the fluid vessel, a fiber substrate contained within the enclosure, and a semiconductor photocatalyst coupled to the fiber substrate. The fluid vessel can be configured to contain a fluid in contact with the photocatalyst such that the fluid treatment system, responsive to solar radiation applied to the photocatalyst and to the fluid in the vessel, induces photochemical modification of contaminants and living organisms in the fluid. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An air purifier is provided, including a body comprising a wall defining an interior space, a first opening to the interior space, and a second opening to the interior space. In one example the body is a tubular body. An airflow pathway is provided through the tubular body defined between the first and second openings. A source of ultraviolet radiation is arranged to emit ultraviolet radiation into the interior space. A photocatalyst is arranged within the interior space and along the airflow pathway, and the ultraviolet radiation can be emitted onto at least a portion of the surface of the photocatalyst to activate the photocatalyst. In one example, the wall includes an aperture, and a cover is coupled to the body about the aperture and configured to enclose the source of ultraviolet radiation. In another example, the air purifier includes turbulence structure.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for the treatment and purification of fluids (e.g., water) using a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. In one embodiment, for example, there is provided a fluid flow conduit having an LED light source and a photo-catalytic material disposed therein. The LED light source emits ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength between about 265 nm and about 400 nm. In operation, the photo-catalytic material absorbs the ultraviolet light from the LED light source, and releases free radicals into the fluid. The free radicals then degrade organic substances (e.g., bacteria) in the fluid.

Abstract: There is described a photocatalyst composition of matter comprising a support material. A surface of the support material configured to comprise: (i) a first catalytic material for catalyzing the conversion of H2O to H2 and O2, and (ii) a second catalytic material catalyzing reaction of hydrogen with a target compound. The photocatalyst composition of matter can be used to treat an aqueous fluid containing a target chemical compound, for example, by a process comprising the steps of: (i) contacting the aqueous fluid with the above-mentioned photocatalyst composition of matter; (ii) contacting the aqueous fluid with radiation during Step (i); (iii) catalyzing the conversion of water in the aqueous fluid to H2 and O2 with the first catalytic material; and (iv) catalyzing reaction of the target chemical compound in the aqueous fluid with hydrogen from Step (iii) in the presence of the second catalytic material to produce a modified chemical compound.

Abstract: A process has been developed to selectively dissociate target molecules into component products compositionally distinct from the target molecule, wherein the bonds of the target molecule do not reform because the components are no longer reactive with each other. Dissociation is affected by treating the target molecule with light at a frequency and intensity, alone or in combination with a catalyst in an amount effective to selectively break bonds within the target molecule. Dissociation does not result in re-association into the target molecule by the reverse process, and does not produce component products which have a change in oxidation number or state incorporated oxygen or other additives because the process does not proceed via a typical reduction-oxidation mechanism. This process can be used for the remediation of water, particularly ballast water.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for intimately coupling advanced oxidation process (AOP) with biodegradation for the treatment of contaminated water. The system comprises a particulate bed having carrier particles that have a microbial film effective for biodegrading contaminants in the contaminated water. An advanced oxidation reagent is irradiated by a radiation source to provide an advanced oxidation reagent effective for oxidizing recalcitrant compounds in the contaminated water to form biodegradable byproducts. The microbial film is effective for biodegrading the byproducts substantially immediately after they are produced. The carrier particles are also effective for protecting the microbial film from the radiation and/or the recalcitrant compounds.

Abstract: A simple, room-temperature method of producing zinc oxide nanoparticles was established by reacting zinc nitrate hexahydrate and cyclohexylamine (CHA) in either aqueous or ethanolic medium. Particles of polyhedra morphology were obtained for zinc oxide, prepared in EtOH (ZnOE) and zinc oxide prepared in water (ZnOW). The results indicate that there are significant morphological differences between ZnOE and ZnOW. ZnOE showed a regular polyhedral shape, while spherical and chunky particles were observed for ZnOW. The morphology was crucial in enhancing the cyanide ion photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ZnOE by a factor of 1.5 in comparison to the efficiency of ZnOW at equivalent loading of 0.0166 ZnO nanoparticles wt %.

Abstract: A simple, room-temperature process of using zinc oxide nanoparticles was established by reacting zinc nitrate hexahydrate and cyclohexylamine (CHA) in either aqueous or ethanol medium. Particles of polyhedra morphology were obtained for zinc oxide, prepared in EtOH (ZnOE) and zinc oxide prepared in water (ZnOW). The results indicate that there are significant morphological differences between ZnOE and ZnOW. ZnOE showed a regular polyhedral shape, while spherical and chunky particles were observed for ZnOW. The morphology was crucial in enhancing the cyanide ion photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ZnOE by a factor of 1.5 in comparison to the efficiency of ZnOW at equivalent loading of 0.0166 ZnO nanoparticles wt %.

Abstract: A method for treating a liquid using an apparatus includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet and an outlet, (b) a throat having a first opening, a second opening and a central axis, wherein the first opening is connected to the outlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, (c) a tank connected to the second opening of the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode. The method includes the steps of providing the above-described apparatus, supplying the liquid to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and irradiating the liquid with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.

Abstract: The disclosure provides relates to compositions and methods for water treatment. It also addresses a method for synthesizing TiO2 (and other metal oxides) with or without dopants. This method enables control over size, phase, morphology and porosity and specific surface area of these materials. The disclosure also provides metal oxide composites that can be used in photocatalysts, photovoltaics, and solar hydrogen applications.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the photochemical purification of fluids are disclosed. Fluids containing organic, inorganic and/or microbiological contaminants are treated by photochemical processes in a hybrid photoreactor incorporating a photocatalyst bonded to a light transmissive fiber substrate within at least a portion of the fluid and light sources to illuminate the fluid and photocatalyst. Photochemical processes include photocatalytic oxidation, photocatalytic reduction, photoadsorption, photolysis and photodisinfection. Some aspects of the disclosure include optimization of distribution of photocatalyst within the fluid, optimization of mass transport of contaminants by distribution of randomly-oriented fiber substrate, optimization of photoefficiency by control of light source wavelengths, use of LEDs to achieve optimized light source wavelengths, optimization of light delivery from light sources to fluid, and use of a microprocessor to optimize system performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nitrogen doped A2Nb4O11, which is represented by A2Nb4O11-xNx, to a process for the preparation thereof, and to a method for degradation of organic pollutants. The nitrogen doped A2Nb4O11 is a new photocatalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in the waste water. The A2Nb4O11-xNx catalyst may be prepared by substituting some of the O elements of pure A2Nb4O11 with N elements, and a process for the preparation thereof comprises a step of doping of nitrogen with a nitrogen source through a solid state reaction. The new nitrogen doped A2Nb4O11 catalyst having a general formula A2Nb4O11-xNx has a narrower optical bandgap compared to pure A2Nb4O11, and therefore can be activated under the visible light range and it shows high efficiency in the degradation of organic pollutants.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for decolorization of reactive anthraquinone dye-containing wastewater using photocatalytic oxidation, which include inducing high-efficiency photocatalytic oxidation under a controlled salt concentration and pH of wastewater to perform effective decolorization of reactive anthraquinone dye-containing wastewater. The method for decolorization of reactive anthraquinone dye-containing wastewater using photocatalytic oxidation, includes: introducing a photocatalyst and salt into reactive anthraquinone dye-containing wastewater and adjusting pH of the wastewater to a level higher than neutral pH; and irradiating UV to the photocatalyst to carry out cleavage of the reactive anthraquinone dyes through photocatalytic oxidation, thereby accomplishing decolorization of wastewater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the purification of a contaminant-containing stream by bringing the stream to be purified into contact with a heterogeneous photocatalyst with irradiation with light, where the bringing into contact takes place in the presence of at least one compound dissolved in the stream and comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, chromium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and mixtures thereof, and to the use of a heterogeneous photocatalyst for the purification of a contaminant-containing stream, where, in the stream to be purified, at least one compound comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, chromium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and mixtures thereof is present in dissolved form.

Abstract: Microcomposites comprising titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles embedded within cross-linked, thermally responsive microgels of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) are disclosed. Interpenetrating linear chains of poly(acrylic acid) functionalize the nanoparticles for dispersal within the microgel framework. The microcomposites show rapid sedimentation, which is useful for gravity separation applications such as environmental remediation via photocatalytic degradation. The extent of loading of the TiO2 within the colloidal particles can be easily manipulated from 10% (weight) to a value as high as 75%. The microgel-titania composites showed rapid sedimentation, which is useful for gravity separation of these particles in photocatalytic applications. The settling of the microgel-titania composites occurred over minutes and was much faster than solid, impermeable spheres.

Abstract: This invention provides a photocatalyst material, which can be produced at low cost without using platinum, particularly a visible light response-type photocatalyst material, a material having a photocatalyst mechanism not possessed by the conventional photocatalyst material, a process for producing the material, and a method for decomposing a contaminant using the material. The photocatalyst material comprises a) an oxide of a first metal and b) an aqua complex salt of a second metal. In this case, for the oxide of a first metal, the redox potential of a conduction band lower end in the oxide is on a rather negative side than 0.2 V (a value as measured at pH=0, vs. reference electrode potential). For the aqua complex salt of a second metal, the redox potential of a second metal ion in the aqua complex salt is on a rather negative side than 3.0 V (a value as measured at pH=0, vs. reference electrode potential).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for producing modified titanium dioxide based photocatalysts via a sol-gel process. The present invention also relates to photocatalysts produced according to the methods of the invention and uses of the photocatalysts for the degradation of contaminants in samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recovering an organic-inorganic element-doped metal oxide from a hydrolysable metal compound, accompanied with contaminated water treatment. The present invention comprises steps of: a) adding a hydrolysable metal compound as a coagulant to a contaminated water to form a separable floc between the hydrolysable metal compound and contaminants present in contaminated water; b) separating the separable floc and the pre-treated water after flocculation treatment; and c) calcinating the separated floc over 500° C. to produce an organic-inorganic element-doped metal oxide. More preferably, the present invention further comprises subjecting the pre-treated water of the step b) to a microwave treatment to cause a photocatalytic degradation of an organic contaminant that remains in the pre-treated water, with the assistance of the remaining hydrolysable metal compound.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a hybrid photocatalyst which is a layered aluminosilicate, possibly organically modified, containing compounds introduced into the aluminosilicate galleries bearing groups such as porphyrin, rose bengal, anthracene, pyrene, perylene, tetracene, rubrene, naphthalene, phthalocyanines, coumarins, and methylene blue, which are organic chromophores able to absorb visible and/or ultraviolet light and sensitize photochemical reactions. The invention includes also the methods of synthesis and application of the photocatalysts for the photocatalytical degradation of water pollutants.

Abstract: A process and reactor for liquid or gas treatment by photocatalytic reaction by using a catalytic membrane reactor comprising a pourous membrane as a contactor between two phases, that can be liquid or gas, a catalyst material and a liquid or gas phase, wherein as the catalyst material a phytocatalyst and/or change-transfer catalyst are used, and the liquid or gas is illuminated by a light source.

Abstract: Water (23) that contains micro-nano bubbles generated in a micro-nano bubble generation tank (6) is introduced and treated in a charcoal water tank (ii) which is filled with a charcoal (15) and in which an air diffusing pipe (12) is placed and thereafter introduced and treated in a membrane device (21). Thus, activities of microorganisms propagating in the charcoal (15) are increased by the micro-nano bubbles, markedly increasing ability of decomposing organic matters in the water. Therefore, a clogging phenomenon due to the organic matters can be prevented by reducing organic loads on the membrane device (21). Moreover, a very small amount of alcohols or salts are added as a micro-nano bubble generation aid to the micro-nano bubble generation tank (6), improving an incidence rate of the micro-nano bubbles. The alcohols and salts are easily decomposed by the charcoal water tank (ii) and easily removed by the membrane device (21).

Abstract: A method for treating a liquid is disclosed using an apparatus having: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone, (b) a throat connected to the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, (c) a parabolic reflector having a vertex, a focus and an opening at the vertex, wherein the opening is connected to the throat such that the vertex and focus are axially aligned with the central axis and the focus is not located within the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends into the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode extending into the parabolic reflector proximate to the focus wherein the second electrode is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode. The liquid is supplied to the pump volute or hydrocyclone head and is irradiated by the wave energy source.

Abstract: A blood treatment device provides a photopheresis treatment using a microfluidic separation channel to separate blood components into layers The layering caused by laminar flow in the microfluidic separation channel allows light to be projected through plasma onto leukocytes without hindrance by erythrocytes

Abstract: A method for removing mercury from a fluid stream includes the steps of providing a porous composite material comprising a substrate and a plurality of catalyst and/or photocatalyst particles, and contacting substrate with a fluid stream. The porous composite material adsorbs and/or then oxidizes or reduces metallic species including elemental mercury. A fossil fuel fired power plant can include an emission control device comprising the porous composite material to filter flue gas to and thereby minimize mercury emissions into the environment.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a method of preparation nanosized amorphous compound ZnO/SnO2 photocatalysts. According to one embodiment herein, the nanosized amorphous compound ZnO/SnO2 photocatalysts are synthesized through coprecipitation method using NaOH as coprecipitant. According to one embodiment herein, nanosized amorphous compound ZnO/SnO2 photocatalysts are synthesized also by another method with molar ratio of 2:1 in ethanol solvent. Nanosized compound ZnO/SnO2 photocatalysts synthesized are for use in treatment of organic wastes by converting the carcinogenic compounds to harmless compounds. The obtained nanosized compound ZnO/SnO2 photocatalysts are of more equal unit. According to another embodiment, a method of preparation of nanosized compound ZnO/SnO2 photocatalysts wherein the degradation rate constant of the Acid Red 27 (AR27) having a fixed rate of the nominal speed of synthetic photocatalyst is improved by 8 times approximately.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to a photocatalytic reactor system and photo-degrading method for eliminating organic and high molecular oil contaminant (or pollutants) from industrial wastewater. A more economical and stable titanium dioxide (TiO2) having a diameter of 21±10 nm is used as the photocatalyst. Method and system of present invention is highly efficient, compatibles with the environment and does not require secondary or additional treatments. In one embodiment, an optimal and very low catalyst concentration (100 ppm) is used for high degradation of the pollutant which is irradiated for utmost 120 min using UV light. This has an industrially interest as this method is considered as an alternative or synergetic process for biological degradation, having high residence times, required to provide significant COD removal. The analysis of the contained materials showed that the efficiency of the applied degradation system is high for all the identified present organic pollutants.

Abstract: An improved draft tube spout fluid bed (DTSFB) mixing, handling, conveying, and treating apparatus and systems, and methods for operating are provided. The apparatus and systems can accept particulate material and pneumatically or hydraulically conveying the material to mix and/or treat the material. In addition to conveying apparatus, a collection and separation apparatus adapted to receive the conveyed particulate material is also provided. The collection apparatus may include an impaction plate against which the conveyed material is directed to improve mixing and/or treatment. The improved apparatus are characterized by means of controlling the operation of the pneumatic or hydraulic transfer to enhance the mixing and/or reacting by controlling the flow of fluids, for example, air, into and out of the apparatus. The disclosed apparatus may be used to mix particulate material, for example, mortar; react fluids with particulate material; coat particulate material, or simply convey particulate material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for disinfecting and purifying liquids and gasses comprising; a) passing said liquids or gasses through a reactor or a combination of reactors, having a truncated compounded concentrator geometry; and b) simultaneously delivering and concentrating diversified electromagnetic and acoustic energies into a specific predetermined inner space of said compounded concentrator reactor, forming a high energy density zone in said reactor or reactors over a predetermined period of time. The reactor according to the present invention is preferably a compounded parabolic concentrator or a compounded ellipsoidal concentrator. The electromagnetic energy delivered and concentrated into and inside the reactor can be of any range of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as ultra-violet, visible, infra-red, microwave etc., or combination thereof. The acoustic energy is of any suitable frequency.