Photocatalytic surfacing agents for inhibiting algae growth
First Claim
1. A method of inhibiting the growth of algae on surfaces that are exposed to water comprising the steps of:
- applying a mixture of a coating combined with WO3 to a water exposed surface; and
applying light to the mixture which becomes photoactive to inhibit growth of algae.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Mixtures that use photoactive agents that inhibit the growth of algae are disclosed. The agents include concentrations of approximately at least 5% to approximately 50% TiO2, WO3, PtWO3 --Pt--WO3, or Pt--TiO2. The agents can be combined together, and/or each agent can be combined with various coatings such as but not limited to a cement or a polymer binder. The coatings and agents can be applyed to surfaces that are exposed to water such as but not limited to an aquarium, liners on the inner walls of swimming pools, drinking water tanks and the like. Further, applications can include using the novel surfacing agent as part of a solar water heater for both a home and a pool, wherein in the latter application the heater is connected between pool pumps and the pool so that when light is absorbed inside the heater, the surfacing agent becomes active for inhibiting the growth of algae. The photoactive agent can also be applied as a non-toxic algae-retardant marine paint.
29 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of inhibiting the growth of algae on surfaces that are exposed to water comprising the steps of:
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applying a mixture of a coating combined with WO3 to a water exposed surface; and applying light to the mixture which becomes photoactive to inhibit growth of algae. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method of inhibiting the growth of algae on surfaces that are exposed to water using a photoactive coating comprising the steps of:
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applying a coating combined with a photoactive agent that includes Pt--TiO2, to a water exposed surface; and applying light to the coating and the agent which inhibits the growth of algae on the surface. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of inhibiting the growth of algae on surfaces that are exposed to water using a photoactive coating comprising the steps of:
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applying a coating combined with a photoactive agent that includes Pt--WO3, to a water exposed surface; and applying light to the coating and the agent which inhibits the growth of algae on the surface. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification