초록 ▼

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,

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.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A process for oxidizing organic contaminants, comprising the steps of:providing a fluid containing the organic contaminants over a photocatalyst disposed on a first surface of a porous substrate having pores therethrough to a second surface, wherein the photocatalyst has

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A process for oxidizing organic contaminants, comprising the steps of:providing a fluid containing the organic contaminants over a photocatalyst disposed on a first surface of a porous substrate having pores therethrough to a second surface, wherein the photocatalyst has a metal catalyst disposed thereon;providing an oxidant to the second surface and through the pores of the substrate into contact with the photocatalyst on the first surface; anddirecting ultra violet light onto the photocatalyst. [18.] An apparatus for oxidizing organic contaminants, comprising:a porous substrate having a first photocatalytic surface, a second surface, and pores extending therethrough, wherein the photocatalytic surface has a metal catalyst disposed thereon;means for flowing a fluid containing organic contaminants over the photocatalytic surface;means for flowing an oxidant through the photocatalytic surface into the flowing fluid; andmeans for directing ultraviolet light onto the photocatalytic surface. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the photocatalytic surface is a titanium dioxide surface on a porous substrate.