How TiO2 UV Photocatalytic Oxidation Works

Photocatalytic oxidation is achieved when you combine UV light rays with a TiO2 coated filter. TiO2 refers to Titanium Oxide. This process creates hydroxyl radicals and super-oxide ions, which are highly reactive electrons.

These highly reactive electrons aggressively combine with other elements in the air, such as bacteria and VOCs. VOC is an acronym for Volatile Organic Compounds, which include harmful pollutants such as formaldehyde, ammonia and many other common contaminates released by building materials and household cleaners generally found in the home.

Once bound together, the chemical reaction takes place between the super-charged ion and the pollutant, effectively "oxidizing" (or burning) the pollutant. This breaks the pollutant down into harmless carbon dioxide and water molecules, making the air more purified.

UV TiO2 Photocatalytic Air Purifiers

Principle of Photo-catalytic Oxidation

Photocatalytic Oxidation (TiO2) Studies

• Chemistry scientists from the University of Colorado and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado conducted an experiment testing the effectiveness of photocatalytic oxidation against harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and other known carcinogens). They found that destruction of these contaminates was nearly 100%.

• Scientists working on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy found that photocatalytic oxidation air purification may be beneficial for the large-scale treatment of air in occupied buildings, while conserving energy costs. This is due to the fact that this technology destroyed VOC chemicals at a significant rate, even at high air flow rates. Their study indicated that photocatalytic oxidation could provide as much VOC removal by itself as compared to the expensive process of introducing outdoor air into the indoor environment, drastically reducing the need to channel outdoor air inside.

• In another study commissioned by the U.S. Department of Energy, scientists found that photocatalytic oxidation converted more than 95% of harmful VOC chemicals to harmless carbon dioxide and water molecules.

Links to university Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) information?

Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO / TiO2) Air Cleaning from the University of Colorado

Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO / TiO2) Air Cleaning from the university of Colorado at Denver

Are PCO Air Purifiers Better Than HEPA Filters?
By Jeanie Wong Platinum Quality Author

HEPA air purifiers have been on the market for a while, but there have also been some recent advances made in air purification technologies as of late. Many air purifier manufacturers are now utilizing Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) technology as a way of removing toxins from the air. This air purification method may be the most advanced one yet, and some leading air purifier manufacturers are beginning to add PCO air cleaners to their product lines.

Standard Air purifiers have a fundamental flaw. They rely on air being pulled through the unit in order to clean it. This creates an ineffective, high energy cost air purifier. Our UV TiO2 air purifiers utilize a new generation of technology. UV TiO2 technology does not reply on filters or air passing through the air purifier. This technology simply produces a blanket of redundant oxidizers that not only clean your air, but sanitize surfaces as well eliminating the pollutants.

For years, PCO has been FDA approved for reducing bacteria in meat processing plants, and it is even used to cleanse pesticides from the fruits and vegetables we eat. Essentially, PCO filtration can be summed up as such: An intense light is reflected onto a metal surface which in turns oxidizes toxins. In chemistry, photocatalysis is defined as the acceleration of a photoreaction in the presence of a catalyst, and an example of this would be the oxidation of organic contaminants such as bacteria and mold using magnetic particles coated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and agitated using a magnetic field that is exposed to UV light. Therefore, this type of purification technology converts harmful particulates and toxic gases into safer compounds such as carbon dioxide and water.

PCO uses broad-spectrum UV light which reacts with a thin film of titanium dioxide, which, in the presence of water, creates hydroxyl radicals and super-oxide ions that "burn" VOCs and microorganisms adsorbed on the catalyst's surface. With that in mind, many consumers may mistake UV air purification with PCO technology, and rightfully so. However, while both types of technology are similar in that they harness the oxidation properties of ultraviolet light, PCO purification systems utilize UV lamps with additional wavelengths. These additional wavelengths ensure a quicker reaction rate when it comes the degrading of toxic compounds that are polluting the air you breathe.

Because PCO technology is an extremely powerful purification method, PCO units have the ability to eliminate particles as small as 0.001 microns, including the tiny penetrating particles that can absorb into your lungs and cause damage (HEPA filters are only able to filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns). Studies have also shown that in addition to VOCs, toxic gases, and chemicals, photocatalytic units can also render gases like carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide harmless - pollutants which can often escape standard units utilizing HEPA or ionic technology alone.

Those concerned with the possible health effects associated with PCO will be glad to know that PCO units have been found to be much safer than ozone and ionization, and they work wonderfully well for those with asthma, allergies, and multiple chemical sensitivity. Nonetheless, one should keep in mind that minute levels of ozone are created during the catalytic free radical generation process, but most PCO purifiers only produce ozone levels in the 0.01 - 0.04 ppm range (0.05 ppm is the maximum level allowed by federal law for medical devices).

Jeanie Wong is a marketing writer with extensive knowledge of heating, cooling, and air purification systems.

PEAK UV PCO Purifier Air Sterilizer Only $189.00  The PEAK UV PCO is a Ultraviolet UVC light, (germicidal UV), Nano-titanium dioxide photocatalytic oxidation, (TiO2 / PCO),  air cleaner air purifier that is excellent for eliminating molds, viruses, bacteria, odors, and Volatile Organic Compounds, (VOCs). 97% airborne bacterial reduction. Covers 200 to 700 sq. Ft., Uses only 20 Watts. Dimension only 18.5" x 5.5" x 3.75". Great for allergy asthma sufferers!

Surround Air Intelli-Pro HEPA UV Ionic Purifier MULTI-TECH  Intelli-Pro Intelligent HEPA Air Purifier Air Cleaner. Safe and Effective Ionizer, Photocatalyst Oxidation TiO2, Germicidal UV Lamp, High-Efficiency HEPA Filter, Activated Carbon Filter, Washable Dust Collector Plates, plus a Washable Pre Filter. Monitoring system Sensor Technology monitors the Air Quality and performance of filters and components. Let's you know when to replace filters.

Surround Air Multi-Tech S3500 HEPA UV Air Purifiers Cost effective Multi-Tech Air Purification Technology S3500, 6 leading air cleaning methods: Prefilter, washable 99.97% efficient HEPA filter for particles including dust and mold spores, Ultraviolet Light, Photocatalyst Oxidation TIO2, and a High-Density air ionizer for allergens, bacteria, viruses, chemicals and more. Large activated carbon filter for chemicals, gases, cigarette smoke, and odors. 210 cfm fan covers 600 sq. ft., 15.75 x 5.5 x 16.54, 11 pounds.

Peak Pure Air Now Offers TiO2 Liquid that can purify
the air and surfaces by applying to almost any surface.
Titanium Oxide Photocatalytic Liquid Spray removes offensive odors and fumes from biological sources.
Especially effective on mold, tobacco, smoke damage, vehicles, offices, and motels/hotel rooms.
Reduce pet odors, allergens, VOC's, chemical fumes, and formaldehyde. Effective on urine and feces.
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