USD
GBP
EUR
We often hear the term "photocatalyst" these days. It can decompose formaldehyde and purify the air, making it a very powerful device. So how exactly does photocatalyst achieve air purification, and what functions does it have? Let's find out together.
What is photocatalysis?
The English term for photocatalyst is "photocatalyst," but industry experts believe its more accurate Chinese name should be "光摄影" (guāng yǐ shèng), as it's a combination of "light" and "catalyst" in English. Specifically, photocatalyst is a general term for photo-semiconductor materials with photocatalytic functions, often represented by nano-sized titanium dioxide.
So why can this photocatalytic technology have antibacterial properties? Simply put, photocatalytic technology involves coating a substrate surface with photocatalytic semiconductor materials, such as nanomaterials and titanium dioxide, which generate a strong catalytic degradation function under the action of ultraviolet light, thus degrading toxic and harmful gases in the air.
Part 1: Scientific Explanation of the Principles of Photocatalysis
Photocatalysis principle diagram
Part 2 , Functions of Photocatalysts
1. Air purification function: It can purify harmful organic substances that affect human health, such as formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides.
2. Sterilization function: It has a bactericidal effect on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, etc., and can also decompose harmful compounds released from the dead bacteria while sterilizing.
3. Deodorizing function: It has the effect of deodorizing cigarette odor, toilet odor, garbage odor, animal odor, etc.
4. Anti-fouling function: Prevents the formation of oil stains, dust, etc., and also prevents the formation of mold, water stains, yellow alkali and rust on toilets, as well as fading of painted surfaces in the bathroom.
Part 3, Characteristics of Photocatalysts
1. Environmentally friendly and non-toxic
The representative substance of photocatalysis is TiO2, which has high chemical stability and is recognized as a safe substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is harmless to the human body and is widely used in food, daily necessities, cosmetics, medicine, and aquaculture.
2. Disinfecting and sterilizing properties
Photocatalysts, after absorbing natural light, possess a strong ability to absorb electrons, i.e., strong oxidizing properties. This allows them to effectively catalyze the decomposition of harmful organic and inorganic substances, and also eliminate bacteria and viruses. For example, photocatalysts can degrade harmful indoor volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde, dichlorobenzene, toluene, xylene, and TVOCs into non-toxic and harmless small-molecule water and CO2. Simultaneously, they can also decompose and neutralize toxins released by bacteria and fungi.
3. Permanent
The photocatalyst stock solution is quick-drying; after being applied to the substrate surface, it dries rapidly and becomes a water-insoluble substance, reaching a hardness equivalent to a 4H pencil within 10 days. Under normal conditions, it does not wear or peel, and the photocatalyst itself remains unchanged and undiminished. Under light irradiation, it can continuously purify pollutants, offering the advantages of long-lasting and sustained action.
4. Super hydrophilic
The photocatalyst-coated surface has a large contact angle with water, but after exposure to natural light, the contact angle decreases to below 5°, or even reaches 0°, meaning water droplets are completely wetted on the photocatalyst surface, exhibiting very strong superhydrophilicity. After the light exposure stops, the surface superhydrophilicity can be maintained for several hours to about a week, after which it slowly returns to its pre-irradiation hydrophobic state. Re-irradiation with ultraviolet light will cause it to exhibit superhydrophilicity again; intermittent ultraviolet light irradiation can maintain the surface in a consistently superhydrophilic state.
5. Self-cleaning property
When a surface treated with photocatalysis is exposed to natural light, it is activated and can decompose organic matter upon contact, not only killing bacteria but also breaking down harmful substances into harmless small molecules. Furthermore, due to its superhydrophilic properties under light, dust on the photocatalyst coating can be easily cleaned with water.
Qiannianzhou photocatalytic antibacterial eco-board utilizes exclusive patented technology. Using plywood and other materials as a substrate, it applies next-generation nano-photocatalytic technology to ionize the air, damaging the cell membranes of bacteria and inhibiting and decomposing bacterial protein synthesis. This process fundamentally breaks down harmful substances into non-toxic and harmless carbon dioxide and water, resulting in a novel type of board. While retaining the advantages of furniture eco-boards such as being paint-free and smooth, it provides effective protection for a healthy home environment.
Photocatalytic antibacterial panels combat bacteria, take effect quickly, and decompose bacteria continuously indoors and outdoors 24 hours a day. They are safe, environmentally friendly, and create a healthy indoor environment.