American Journal of Chemical Engineering

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Converting Volatile Organic Compounds to CO2 and Water

Received: 06 June 2016    Accepted:     Published: 07 June 2016
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Abstract

This paper discusses a novel method to clean VOC from any sources. Photocatalysis surpasses any other technologies in air purification for absorption of volatile organic compounds. A key component is the use of ultraviolet light to activate a photo-catalysis process that can also disinfect microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, moulds and even infectious diseases. The by-products of the photocatalytic process is only carbon dioxide and water. Results as tested by the Chinese government agency for its VOC removal efficacy at several factories is most encouraging. In conclusion, we have found a technology that can help clean the increasing air pollution in China to improve public health.

DOI 10.11648/j.ajche.20160402.16
Published in American Journal of Chemical Engineering (Volume 4, Issue 2, March 2016)
Page(s) 62-67
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Air Pollution, Disinfection, Photocatalysis, Air Cleaning, By-Products, Volatile Organic Compounds

References
[1] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2558548/Air-pollution-Beijing-city-uninhabitable-human-beings-according-environmental-study.html
[2] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/21/super-smog-beijing-china_n_4134226.html
[3] Minsi Zhang, Yu Song and Xuhui Cai. A health-based assessment of particulate air pollution in urban areas of Beijing in 2000–2004. Science of the Total Environment 376 (2007) 100–108.
[4] Bingheng Chen, Chuanjie Hong, Haidong Kan. Exposures and health outcomes from outdoor air pollutants in China. Toxicology 198 (2004) 291–300.
[5] Royal College of Physicians. Every breath we take: the lifelong impact of air pollution. Report of a working party. London: RCP, 2016. Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health, February 2016
[6] Haidong Kan, Bingheng Chen. Particulate air pollution in urban areas of Shanghai, China: health-based economic assessment. Science of the Total Environment 322 (2004) 71–79.
[7] (a) Titanium Dioxide: Inhalation Toxicology and Epidemiology, Paul M. Hext, John A. Tomenson, and Peter Thompson, Annals of Occupational Hygiene, March 24, 2005, 49 (6), 461-472. (b) Titanium Dioxide: Exemption from the Requirements of a Tolerance, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, March 25, 1998.
[8] Photocatalytic Coating on Road Pavements/Structures for NOx Abatement, Lamar University, December 12, 2005 (and references therein). See http://files.harc.edu/Projects/JointCenter/Meetings/RR200512/ProjectPhotocatalyticCoating.pdf
[9] (a) Unique project highlights effective ways to reduce vehicle emissions, CASA News Release - vehicle emissions study, October 12, 2006. Don’t Drive and Breathe, Bob Weinhold, Environmental Health Perspectives, V 109, n. 9, September, 2001. Understanding Air Pollution Near Urban Roadways: A Research Study, EPA research highlights, EM magazine, p. 30, December 2006.
[10] Air Quality Assessment for Mr. Seck Hong Chee’s Healthcare Cum Illumination Device at Tras Trading Sitting Room. Analytical Laboratories (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. May 18, 2010.
[11] E. David Day, Morphic Envirotech, MorphAir 36W Photocatalytic UV Air Purifier, Owner/Operator Manual. Morphic Envirotech Inc., Calgary, 2011, P. 2.
[12] Conducted by: Professor Tang Gim Lee, The University of Calgary, in the laboratory of Bio-chem Consulting Services (1980) Ltd., Calgary, April 1, 2001.
[13] Wang, HaiLin, Nie, Lie, Li, Jing, etal. Characterization and assessment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions from typical industries, Chinese Science Bulletin, Environmental Chemistry, Vo. 58, No. 7: 724-730, March 2013.
[14] Air purification units by Dexon Canada Air Systems Inc. Calgary, Alberta Canada. http://www.dexoncanada.com/
[15] Jongsoo Jurng, Nanometer catalyst cleans up bad cigarette smoke in smoking room. KIST Project Management Team, #2745, Korea Institute of Science and Technology 2015-07-08.
[16] Lexuan Zhong, Fariborz Haghighat. Photocatalytic air cleaners and materials technologies – Abilities and limitations. Building and Environment, 2015; 91: 191 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2015.01.033.
Author Information
  • Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

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  • APA Style

    Tang G. Lee. (2016). Converting Volatile Organic Compounds to CO2 and Water. American Journal of Chemical Engineering, 4(2), 62-67. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajche.20160402.16

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    Tang G. Lee. Converting Volatile Organic Compounds to CO2 and Water. Am. J. Chem. Eng. 2016, 4(2), 62-67. doi: 10.11648/j.ajche.20160402.16

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    AMA Style

    Tang G. Lee. Converting Volatile Organic Compounds to CO2 and Water. Am J Chem Eng. 2016;4(2):62-67. doi: 10.11648/j.ajche.20160402.16

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ajche.20160402.16,
      author = {Tang G. Lee},
      title = {Converting Volatile Organic Compounds to CO2 and Water},
      journal = {American Journal of Chemical Engineering},
      volume = {4},
      number = {2},
      pages = {62-67},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ajche.20160402.16},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajche.20160402.16},
      eprint = {https://download.sciencepg.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajche.20160402.16},
      abstract = {This paper discusses a novel method to clean VOC from any sources. Photocatalysis surpasses any other technologies in air purification for absorption of volatile organic compounds. A key component is the use of ultraviolet light to activate a photo-catalysis process that can also disinfect microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, moulds and even infectious diseases. The by-products of the photocatalytic process is only carbon dioxide and water. Results as tested by the Chinese government agency for its VOC removal efficacy at several factories is most encouraging. In conclusion, we have found a technology that can help clean the increasing air pollution in China to improve public health.},
     year = {2016}
    }
    

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    AB  - This paper discusses a novel method to clean VOC from any sources. Photocatalysis surpasses any other technologies in air purification for absorption of volatile organic compounds. A key component is the use of ultraviolet light to activate a photo-catalysis process that can also disinfect microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, moulds and even infectious diseases. The by-products of the photocatalytic process is only carbon dioxide and water. Results as tested by the Chinese government agency for its VOC removal efficacy at several factories is most encouraging. In conclusion, we have found a technology that can help clean the increasing air pollution in China to improve public health.
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