Abstract: A sparging system and process for in-situ removal of contaminants from soil and an associated subsurface groundwater aquifer of a site is disclosed. The sparge system is capable of extracting contaminant in the form of gas from groundwater in a gas/gas/water reaction. The system includes at least one microporous diffuser having a porosity matched to a soil porosity. The microdiffuser is in an injection well. Ozone or other oxidizing gas in the form of bubbles is injected into the site to extract volatile dissolved contaminants for in-situ decomposition. A pump and a pneumatic packer are disposed to alternate pumping and bubble injection into the well to maximize dispersal of bubbles within and outward from the well casing, and to provide uniform dispersion of the bubbles as they travel through the site formation.

Abstract: A method of quickly decomposing and removing an organic chlorine compound, which comprises coating a liquid containing an organic chlorine compound on the surface of a photocatalyst so that the liquid does not flow, said photocatalyst comprising a hollandite-type crystal phase represented by the formula:

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide a method for producing pinacoline by means of pinacol rearrangement in supercritical water, which affords an extremely high reaction rate without the addition of high concentrations of acid, and this invention is directed to a method for increasing the reaction rate during organic synthesis by utilizing the supply of protons from water under noncatalytic conditions in supercritical water, a method of pinacol rearrangement comprising the production of pinacoline by pinacol rearrangement under noncatalytic conditions without the addition of an acid catalyst in supercritical water, and a method of synthesis comprising the production of cyclic compounds from pinacol under noncatalytic conditions without the addition of an acid catalyst around the critical point (375 to 380° C., 22.5 to 25 MPa) in supercritical water.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for oxidizing and/or decomposing organic and/or inorganic oxidizable substances in waste water by wet oxidation with a use of a catalyst, wherein the oxidizable substances are oxidized and/or decomposed with an oxygen containing gas in the presence of the catalyst under pressure such that said waste water retains the liquid phase thereof at temperature of 50 to less than 170° C.; the catalyst contains activated carbon; and controlling an oxygen concentration in an exhaust gas in the range from 0 to 5 vol %. The present inventive method is capable of treating waste water efficiently for a long period in a stable manner at the reduced temperatures and as compared with the substantially higher temperatures and pressures used in many of the prior art method.

Abstract: A photocatalytic oxidation purification system includes an ultra violet light source and a filter that comprises a pleated wire mesh substrate with a nanophase metal oxide oxidation catalyst suspended on the substrate, wherein the catalyst is applied without an adhesive using an electromechanical plating process. As a fluid containing organic contaminants is directed through the filter in the presence of ultra violet light from the light source, the catalyst oxidizes and decomposes the organic contaminants into environmentally harmless components. Methods of making the purification system including preparing a solution of catalyst and applying the catalyst without adhesive binding material to the filter substrate electromagnetically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating alkaline waste water originating from washing spent oil which has undergone an alkaline treatment with water and which contains organic material. This method can produce water which can be discharged into conventional industrial water treatment facilities or which can be used directly as a base for preparing fertilizers or for preparing an agent for preventing ice formation on road surfaces.

Abstract: The supply of water used in dental operations and other applications in a dental office, or other medical facility, wherein non-contaminated water is necessary to avoid transmission of microorganisms, is enriched with oxygen, whether from ambient air or a source of oxygen. The oxygenated water is passed through a silver containing catalyst cartridge. The water borne oxygen is attracted to the silver and forms a weak bond sufficient to permit dissociation to oxidize organic matter, including microorganisms. A small amount of silver dissolves in the water and flows downstream through the attendant conduits to and through dental handpieces and dental implements. A portion of the silver will adhere to the walls of the conduits, handpieces and implements where it is free to react with the oxygen dissolved in the water flowing therepast. The resulting oxidizing of the organic matter will destroy any biofilm present and prevent biofilm buildup.

Abstract: Shaped units suitable for use as a catalyst, e.g. for the decomposition of hypochlorite, comprise a compacted particulate mixture of at least one oxide of a Group VIII metal M selected from nickel and cobalt, a calcium aluminate cement, and alumina and/or magnesia, the shaped units having (after ignition in air at 900° C.) a content of a Group VIII metal oxide of 10 to 50% by weight (expressed as the divalent oxide, MO), a calcium oxide content of 1 to 10% by weight, an alumina content by weight that is at least four times the weight of calcium oxide, a total content of alumina plus magnesia of at least 40% by weight, a silica content of less than 1% by weight, and the shaped units having a pore volume in the range 0.2 to 0.

Abstract: An acidic organics-containing waste water stream (12) derived from for example plant for the production of an aromatic carboxylic acid such as terephthalic acid is treated to allow recovery of alkali and water for recycle to the production process. The treatment comprises adjusting the pH of the waste water stream using an alakaline medium, oxidising (10) the organics content of the stream to convert the same to water, carbon dioxide and (bi)carbonate ions, and supplying the treated stream to a reverse osmosis membrane (28, 30) to produce a retentate containing (bi)carbonate ions and cations derived from the alkaline medium and a permeate which is substantially free of those components. The retentate (46) is recycled for use in adjustment of the pH of the waste water stream and, if desired, water-consuming facilities which can tolerate less pure water.

Abstract: In a method of removing organic contaminants from a liquid, an oxidizing gas is formed into sub-micron size bubbles which are dispersed into an initially contaminated liquid, after which the treated liquid is recovered. The oxidizing gas is preferably selected from a group including ozone and chlorine dioxide and is utilized immediately upon its manufacture. An oxidizing liquid may be employed in conjunction with the oxidizing gas.

Abstract: A process for upgrading aqueous acrylonitrile waste streams containing organic material comprising atomizing an acrylonitrile waste water stream containing organic material, introducing the atomized acrylonitrile waste water stream at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the organics present in the waste water stream, into a reaction zone containing a catalyst and at least one reactant gas, reacting the atomized waste water stream and reactant gas in the presence of the catalyst to convert at least some of the organics in the waste water stream into at least one compound selected from the group consisting of acetonitrile, hydrogen cyanide and acrylonitrile.

Abstract: A process and catalyst for the conversion of contaminants in an oxygen containing contaminated stream comprises passing the oxygen containing contaminated stream over a photocatalyst comprising titanium, zirconium and silica while irradiating the foregoing catalyst with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A process for production of synthesis gas employing a catalytic membrane reactor wherein the membrane comprises a mixed metal oxide material.

Abstract: A household wastewater purification system includes a first treatment tank having a household wastewater inlet in an upper part thereof, a photocatalytic decomposition treatment device having a photocatalytic material at least a part of which lies above the water surface, and an anaerobic treatment device. A second treatment tank is adjacent to the first treatment tank and isolated therefrom by a partition wall except a lower part thereof that is communicated with a lower part of the first treatment tank. The second treatment tank has an aerobic treatment device therein and a purified water outlet in an upper part thereof. A light-introducing part is provided above the first treatment tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the conversion of methane in solution or gas provides photochemical conversion in a unique two-phase or three-phase boundary system formed in each pore of a semiconductor membrane in a photocatalytic reactor. In a three-phase system, gaseous oxidant, methane contained in a liquid, and solid semiconductor photocatalyst having a metal catalyst disposed thereon meet and engage in an efficient conversion reaction. The porous membrane has pores which have a region wherein the meniscus of the liquid varies from the molecular diameter of water to that of a capillary tube resulting in a diffusion layer that is several orders of magnitude smaller than the closest known reactors.

Abstract: Process for the photocatalytic purification of waste water contaminated by tetrahydrothiophene, applicable to the purification of condensation water collected along gas distribution lines for household and industrial use.

Abstract: A catalyst for use in abatement of organic compounds, including noxious compounds in water, wherein the water in a first step is enriched with ozone/oxygen. The enriched water is then passed through a catalyst, consisting of activated carbon as carrier for metal oxides including iron oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxides, manganese oxide. Furthermore, the catalyst can contain one or more of the noble metals, preferably platinum or palladium. By the catalyst, undesired intermediate products from the ozone treatment are avoided. The catalyst is employed in a water treating plant and in a process for treatment of water.

Abstract: A system for treating contaminated media is provided. In the process, contaminants are removed from the media using a photocatalytic process operating in an aqueous phase.

Abstract: Waste water containing nitrogen compounds is treated by first breaking the nitrogen compounds down by electrolysis in the presence of chlorine ions. The electrolysis step converts chlorine ions to hypochlorite ions. The partially treated water is returned to a storage container. The hypochlorite ions oxidize the nitrogen compounds and are reconverted to chlorine atoms. The partially treated water then may be returned to the electrolysis container to regenerate hypochlorite ions. In a second step, the partially treated waste water is passed over a metal peroxide catalyst. The metal peroxide catalyst further breaks down the nitrogen compounds, and removes the excess hypochlorite ions.

Abstract: A photo-oxidation device of a water treatment system photo-oxidizes organic material, in particular, aromatic organic material, in the water to facilitate its removal from the water. The photo-oxidation device includes a UV lamp, a flow channel in which the UV lamp is disposed, and a catalyst of an oxidation reaction between an organic material and the UV radiation emitted by the UV lamp. The UV radiation emitted from the UV lamp illuminates the flow channel while the water passes through the flow channel. The catalyst, on the other hand, is fixed to an inner wall of the flow channel to foster the oxidation of the organic material by the UV radiation. The water treatment system in which the photo-oxidation device is incorporated, includes a pre-treatment unit having particle filters, a first treatment section, and a second treatment section.

Abstract: In treatment of water by injection of ozone into the water for removal of harmful matters, odor matters, and color matters therein, either or both of a nonyl phenol and a cresol are added to the water to be treated. The nonyl phenol is added together with a lower alcohol or acetone to the water to be treated. The cresol is added together with a lower alcohol or acetone to the water to be treated. A p-nonyl phenol is added as the nonyl phenol for treatment. As the cresol for addition, a p-cresol is added. As the nonyl phenol for addition, a nonyl phenol is used such that two molecular weights of 220 and 107 are detected when measured by either or both of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. By the above treatment, the decomposition reaction of ozone can be accelerated, and thereby it becomes possible to accelerate the oxidative decomposition reaction of organic matters, the amount of ozone required for the decomposition of harmful matters can be reduced with the decomposition time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mineralizing organic contaminants in water or air provides photochemical oxidation in a unique two-phase or three-phase boundary system formed in each pore of a TiO.sub.2 membrane in a photocatalytic reactor. In the three-phase system, gaseous oxidant, liquid contaminant, and solid semiconductor photocatalyst having a metal catalyst disposed thereon meet and engage in an efficient oxidation reaction. The porous membrane has pores which have a region wherein the meniscus of the liquid varies from the molecular diameter of water to that of a capillary tube resulting in a diffusion layer that is several orders of magnitude smaller than the closest known reactors. The photocatalytic reactor operates effectively at ambient temperature and low pressures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor system for decontaminating a supply of contaminated liquid, comprising a pressurizable reaction vessel having an inlet for introducing a fluid, an outlet for expelling a fluid while retaining a pressure within said reaction vessel, a catalyst, and a granule support plate for retaining said catalyst within said reaction vessel, a pump in fluid connection with the inlet for introducing a fluid into said reaction vessel, and a supply of gas (or other fluid, such as peroxide) in fluid communication with said pump, whereby said pump is operated so that the supplied fluid and the contaminated liquid are intermixed and supplied under pressure to said inlet for introducing a fluid into the reaction vessel and whereby the pressurized gas and liquid mixture is maintained at a sufficient pressure within said reaction vessel to allow the creation of optimally sized bubbles while maintaining the fluid essentially gas free, thereby maximizing the efficacy of the reactor system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing acidic aqueous solutions of melamine-aldehyde type polymers, and particularly melamine-formaldehyde polymer, which have significantly reduced levels of free aldehyde. The process involves the addition of hydrogen peroxide and/or iron in the form of ferric ion to the acidification stage of the production of melamine-formaldehyde polymers. When the process is conducted at elevated temperatures, in the range of 150-180.degree. F., iron is not required to cause destruction of the free formaldehyde. At lower temperatures the presence of iron may be required to achieve satisfactory rates of reaction. The process reduces levels of free formaldehyde to less than 0.1% by weight, such that the polymer solution may be used in a variety of applications with reduced environmental risk.

Abstract: The phytotoxic action of too high a concentration of peroxygen compounds such as peroxycarboxylic acids and hydrogen peroxide in the combating of phytopathogenic microorganisms, such as fusaria, in the water systems of plant irrigation systems, especially greenhouses, can be eliminated. The water is treated with a peroxycarboxylic acid solution which is brought in contact with a solid decomposition catalyst for active-oxygen compounds before the water is used for irrigation, in order to reduce the content of peroxycarboxylic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The water contacts and flows through a fixed bed of decomposition catalyst, by trickling over it or flowing through the conduits of a monolithic block coated with a decomposition catalyst such as platinum, palladium or rhodium.

Abstract: Organic materials such as raw refuse, waste plastics, waste biomass, sludges, etc. are decomposed by the use of supercritical water to selectively produce hydrogen. A thermochemical reaction is promoted to reduce the supercritical water and selectively produce hydrogen, without substantially adding any oxidizing agent to the supercritical water of a specific temperature and pressure, in the presence of a carbon dioxide-absorbing substance in an amount sufficient to absorb all of the generated carbon dioxide, so that carbon contained in the organic wastes reduces the supercritical water, and hence the organic materials are completely decomposed and also hydrogen gas is removed.

Abstract: Process for the decoloration and the toxification of highly polluted (COD.gtoreq.1000 mg/l) resistant aqueous effluents by an oxidation treatment of the effluents by hydrogen peroxide, continuously and in a homogeneous phase, at a pH of 2 to 5 in the presence of Fe ions and under irradiation by means of UV radiation. The AvOx/COD ratio by weight is not less than 0.5:1 and the AvOx/concentration of Fe ions ratio by weight is not less than 50:1.

Abstract: A process for concentrating and destroying the perchlorate and nitrate anions present in ground water and drinking water sources is disclosed. In the process, the perchlorate and nitrate anions present in feed water are concentrated into a much smaller effluent stream. A typical process configuration involves using a continuous contacter apparatus known as ISEP wherein the perchlorate present in feed water is adsorbed on to an ion-exchange resin resulting in a perchlorate-free treated water. The ISEP unit also incorporates a regeneration zone where the adsorbed perchlorate is effectively removed from the resin using relatively low volumes of concentrated brine solution as the regenerant. The waste from the ISEP unit is a concentrated brine solution containing perchlorate and other anions that may be present in the feed stream.

Abstract: Waste water containing nitrogen compounds is processed by adding an oxidant to the waste water. The oxidant may be one or more of a chlorine oxidant or hydrogen peroxide. The oxidant breaks down the nitrogen compounds through a breakpoint reaction. The partially processed water then is contacted with a metal peroxide catalyst. The metal peroxide breaks down and removes excess oxidant. The reaction may be carried out at normal temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A method of forming reactive oxygen species by solubilizing a metal ion from a metal oxy(hydr)oxide compound with an iron oxy(hydr)oxide solubilizing chelator to yield a first soluble metal ion chelate complex. The metal ion is transferred from the chelate complex to a free redox cycling chelator to form a second metal ion chelate complex which reduces the metal ion to a reduced metal species. The reduced metal species is reacted with an oxygen containing oxidant to yield a free redox cycling chelator and a reactive oxygen species. The reactive oxygen species may be used to oxidize a target substrate. The preferred metal ion is a cationic transition metal, such as iron or manganese. A preferred iron oxy(hydr)oxide solubilizing chelator is oxalic acid. The method is generally performed at acidic pH.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating a photographic effluent with an oxidation catalyst. This catalyst is prepared by forming in situ, in a porous membrane, a cerium derivative. In this way the thiosulfate and organics contents of photographic effluents are reduced.

Abstract: A method for easily decomposing viscous, solidified spilled fuel oil or crude oil containing sea water and other disposal inhibiting substances. Titanium dioxide particles are added to viscous spilled fuel oil recovered in drums in a weight ratio of at least 0.2 to 1 times. Fuel oil is specifically adsorbed by the adsorbent and the mixture can be suspended in water. The suspension is filtered by a coarse filter to remove substances interfering with disposal by the oil. This filtrate is passed through a high performance filter (of sufficiently fine mesh to retain the adsorbent) so that the adsorbent is recovered, and sea water and other substances are discarded.

Abstract: Process for the photocatalytic purification of waste water contaminated by tetrahydrothiophene, applicable to the purification of condensation water collected along gas distribution lines for household and industrial use.

Abstract: A process for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide wherein aqueous streams containing 1 to 500,000 ppm H.sub.2 O.sub.2 are contacted with a Mn/Cu catalyst component on a monolith carrier to eliminate the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 by decomposition to water and oxygen.

Abstract: A propylene oxide/styrene monomer aqueous purge stream is contacted with a solid iron promoted alumina catalyst at conditions effective to decompose peroxides contained therein.

Abstract: A two part system providing initial filtration of free oil and dirt followed by biological filtration with a copper wool and brass wool filter medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of aqueous phase oxidation of effluents, consisting of subjecting said effluents to oxidation in the presence of at least one catalyst and of at least one oxidising agent, at a temperature of between approximately 20.degree. C. and approximately 350.degree. C., under a total pressure of between approximately 1 and approximately 160 bars, in such manner as to mineralise part of the organic matter and total ammoniated nitrogen contained in said effluents, said oxidation being carried out inside a reactor in which a gaseous phase is set up above the liquid phase consisting of said effluents.characterized in that said catalyst is a heterogeneous catalyst placed inside said reactor above the interface between said gaseous phase and said liquid phase.

Abstract: A fluid treating method for treating fluid to reduce the concentration of undesirable nitrogen compounds and/or metal constituents contained therein is disclosed. The method utilizes a bed of metal particulate matter. The metal particulate matter comprises copper. Preferably, the metal particulate also contains zinc and can be in the form of an alloy. The fluid treated is often water, preferably, drinking water. Among the nitrogen compounds that may be effected by the present method are inorganic nitrates and nitrites and/or metals may be aluminum, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, gold, iron, lead, mercury, selenium and silver.

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to provide utensils for table use or cooking use, which can easily improve the taste of food and drink and make them tasty without using particular energy in a short time. The utensils for table use or cooking use according to the present invention have their surface coated with a film of titanium oxide; when they are exposed to sunrays, an electric light or the like, electrons and positive holes are formed on the film of titanium oxide on the surface thereof according to photocatalytic reaction, whose strong oxidation-reaction decomposes residual chlorine and organic compounds dissolved in water to remove the odor of chlorine and the odor of mold and makes clusters of water in food and drink small to improve the taste of food and drink and to make them tasty.

Abstract: A fuel oil treatment unit and associated method for removing undesirable contaminants from a fuel oil, such as diesel oil, being delivered to an associated engine, such as a vehicle diesel engine. The invention includes, inter alia, a unit for treating contaminant-containing fuel oil, comprising means for heating the fuel oil to a temperature sufficient to volatilize at least some of the contaminants and, also, means for filtering the so-heated fuel oil, to remove therefrom at least some of the remaining, unvolatilized contaminants. Optionally, the previously-heated and filtered fuel oil is passed to a temperature control means for maintaining or returning the temperature of the fuel oil to a desired level.

Abstract: A process for the destruction of organic compounds selected from the group consisting of nitriles, aromatics, heteroaromatics, amides, organic acids, aldehydes and alcohols from wastewater, comprising contacting volatilized wastewater with a catalyst at an elevated temperature in the absence of added oxygen, so as to convert volatile organic compounds and ammonia to a mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon dioxide which are separated and removed from the stream, yielding a purified aqueous stream, substantially free of organic compounds.

Abstract: Water to be treated is introduced into a first ozone mixer (5) and subjected to a magnetic force, and ozone supplied from a first ozonizer (4) is injected into the water for oxidation and coagulation of substances to be oxidized. Then, coagulated substances are removed by a first filter (6). The resulting water is introduced into a second ozone mixer (8) and subjected to a magnetic force, and ozone supplied from a second ozonizer (7) is injected into the water. Thereafter, the water is passed through a reaction vessel (9) filled with activated carbon, and then coagulated substances are removed from the water by a second filter (10).

Abstract: A photocatalyst composition containing a substantially non-oxidizable binder which allows large amounts of photocatalytic particles to be adhered to a surface. Upon application to a surface, the composition dries or cures to form an adherent, abrasion-resistant, thermostable, and photocatalytic coating.

Abstract: A method for efficient, economical and rapid remediation of aromatic hydrocarbons, and especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), in contaminated materials, such as soils, sludges, tars, sands and liquids using catalysts in conjunction with ozone, oxidants and surfactants. The method uses multistage catalytic oxidation to convert aromatic hydrocarbons into innocuous, biodegradable, or easily decomposed compounds such as carbon dioxide and carbonyl compounds, including but not limited to aldehydes, ketones, quinones and carboxylic acids. The method may be employed to treat dry and wet contaminated samples of large tonnage and offers an excellent alternative to incineration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for purifying and maintaining the purity of water in a swimming pool by initially feeding into the pool water treated in an ion exchanger to render it acidic and hardness-free, lime water consisting of a clear and saturated aqueous solution of white lime or white lime hydrate being thereafter added to provide a lime-carbonic acid equilibrium, at least some of the acidic and hardness-free water being recirculated over a body of crushed limestone to establish a pH of not less than 7. Carbon dioxide and oxygen may also be added.

Abstract: A fluid treating method for treating fluid to kill or inhibit bacteria and/or to reduce the concentration of undesirable inorganic constituents including chlorine and metal constituents contained therein is disclosed. The method utilizes a bed of metal particulate matter. The metal particulate matter comprises copper. Preferably, the metal particulate also contains zinc and can be in the form of an alloy. The fluid treated is often water, preferably, drinking water. Among the metals that may be effected by the present method are aluminum, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, gold, iron, lead, mercury, selenium and silver.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of an aqueous media having contaminants therein, comprising adding hydrogen peroxide to the aqueous media; and exposing the aqueous media to a catalytic environment for a time long enough to form usable reactive intermediates and short enough to prevent scavenging of the usable reactive intermediates formed. Also provided is a reactor for achieving the process.

Abstract: A water treatment arrangement is provided in which water is given a reduced pH by a first catalyst and then is caused to flow over a second catalyst that changes nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, salts and other contaminants from reactive to nonreactive form. The first catalyst may be palladium and the second catalyst an alloy containing copper, tin, nickel and zinc. The first catalyst prevents precipitants from coating the second catalyst and also increases the supply of oxygen in the water. Preferably, a third catalyst, also palladium, is included downstream of the second catalyst. The first and third catalysts include longitudinal vanes having louvers to present a large surface area and create turbulence. The second catalyst is a tubular assembly with ribs and grooves also to create turbulence and removal of the stagnant boundary layer from the catalyst's surface. The catalysts are in an end-to-end abutting relationship within a housing of corrosion-resistant material.

Abstract: A two stages electrocatalytic method for oxidative-purification of wastewater from soluble substances, such as toxic chemical admixtures difficult of oxidation, including dye-stuffs, detergents, phenols, cyanides and the like, which stages inactivate the soluble substances present in the wastewater in a synergistic fashion and, therefore, are highly efficient, the method comprising the steps of (a) in a first stage, electrochemically treating the wastewater in the presence of chlorine ions, such that chlorine-containing oxidizing agents are formed and at least partially oxidize the soluble substances in the wastewater; and (b) in a second stage, catalytically treating the first stage treated wastewater in presence of a non-chlorine oxidizing agent and an added catalyst, such that remainings of the soluble substances are further oxidized, and such that the chlorine-containing oxidizing agents formed during the first stage are catalytically reduced; wherein, the first stage and the second stage act synergistica

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mineralizing organic contaminants in water or air provides photochemical oxidation in a unique two-phase or three-phase boundary system formed in each pore of a TiO.sub.2 membrane in a photocatalytic reactor. In the three-phase system, gaseous oxidant, liquid contaminant, and solid semiconductor photocatalyst meet and engage in an efficient oxidation reaction. The porous membrane has pores which have a region wherein the meniscus of the liquid varies from the molecular diameter of water to that o f a capillary tube resulting in a diffusion layer that is several orders of magnitude smaller than the closest known reactors. The photocatalytic reactor operates effectively at ambient temperature and low pressures.