Photocatalytic titanium dioxide nanocrystals

• US 20090104086A1
• Filed: 10/17/2008
• Published: 04/23/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/19/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Adam Zax, Yasser Elassal
• Original Assignee: Adam Zax, Yasser Elassal
• Inventors: Zax, Adam, Elassal, Yasser
• Application Number:
  US12/288,273
• Publication Number:
  US 20090104086A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/121
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/088 using a photocatalyst or photosensitiser
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/10 Ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 21/063 Titanium; Oxides or hydroxides thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 35/004 Photocatalysts
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 35/39 Photocatalytic properties
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 37/0242 Coating followed by impregnation

Abstract

A photocatalytically active titanium dioxide film may be applied onto surfaces of a variety of objects to oxidize matter that comes into contact with those surfaces. Various methods may be used to apply a solution of the photocatalytically active nanoparticles onto surfaces receiving regular human contact or proximate to human presence. An inorganic primer layer may be initially applied to an organic substrate, such as food, plants, flowers and foliage, to prevent the photocatalytically active coating from oxidizing the organic substrate.

Claims

1. A method for applying a photocatalytically active titanium dioxide film, comprising:

applying an inorganic primer layer on an organic substrate;

preventing oxidation of the substrate with the inorganic primer layer; and

applying a solution of anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles and an inorganic binder over the primer.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the step of applying the inorganic primer layer on the organic substrate comprises applying a non-toxic inorganic primer layer on a piece of food; and

the step of applying the solution of anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles and the inorganic binder over the primer comprises applying a non-toxic solution of anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles and a non-toxic inorganic binder over the primer.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the step of applying the inorganic primer layer on the organic substrate comprises applying the inorganic primer layer on plants, foliage, flowers or fruits.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

catalyzing a production of carbon dioxide and water in order to promote growth.

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

inactivating the film by blocking the film from light exposure.

6. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

preventing spoilage, wilting, senescence, abscission and over-ripening of the plants, foliage, flowers or fruits.

7. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

preventing fungal and bacterial growth on the surface of the plants, foliage, flowers or fruits.

8. A method for applying a photocatalytically active titanium dioxide film, comprising:

identifying a surface receptive of human contact or adjacent to human presence;

applying a solution of anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles and an inorganic binder to the surface; and

oxidizing matter on or adjacent to the surface.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

deodorizing air adjacent to the surface.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

purifying air adjacent to the surface.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

providing mold remediation on the surface; and

preventing mold and mold spore growth on the surface.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

providing bacterial and viral remediation on the surface; and

preventing a spread of disease.

13. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

providing the surface with self-cleaning and maintenance-reducing-properties.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein:

the step of applying the solution of anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles and the inorganic binder to the surface comprises applying the solution of anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles and the inorganic binder to the substrate during the manufacturing process.

15. The method of claim 8, wherein:

the step of applying the solution of anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles and the inorganic binder to the surface comprises applying the solution of anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles and the inorganic binder to the surface in situ.

16. A method for treating air in at least a partially enclosed space, comprising:

applying an inorganic binder to an object;

applying a solution of anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles to the object; and

placing the treated object inside the space in order to treat air adjacent to the object.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

closing the space to enclose the air therein; and

scavenging oxygen in the enclosed air by converting oxygen to carbon dioxide.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

deodorizing the air in the at least partially enclosed space.

19. An oxidizing apparatus for use in an enclosed space, comprising:

an object;

a photocatalytically active titanium dioxide film applied to the object; and

wherein said object can be added to a container in order to treat air adjacent to the object.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the object comprises a light emitting source.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the object receives light from an outside source.

22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the space is at least partially enclosed, and wherein the film deodorizes air in the at least partially enclosed package.

23. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the space is completely enclosed, and wherein the film scavenges oxygen in the completely enclosed space.

24. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the object comprises a light-emitting source powered by batteries.

25. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the object produces light from a chemical reaction.

26. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the object absorbs and later emits light.

27. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the object produces light from radioactive decay.

28. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the object comprises a stackable object.