Background
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) as well as nitrous oxide (N2O) have been identified as pollutants of concern in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. While there has been successful implementation of abatement systems to control the emissions of nitrogen oxides, some facilities require further removal to comply with new regulations and meet sustainability goals. Many laboratory-scale experiments have been conducted to demonstrate the potential of photocatalytically removing NOx and N2O, through oxidation to NO3-/HNO3 or reduction to N2 and O2.
Invention Description
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a continuous flow, small optical fiber reactor system that can convert NOx to innocuous by-products. This novel reactor design uses photocatalysts that are coated on polymeric optical fibers that are bundled together, with UV-C or visible light launched from a single LED array into the fiber bundle. This allows for rapid treatment of nitrous oxide species in air. The wavelength of light and the selection of catalyst can be changed in the system to selectively treat various pollutants of interest. This catalyst coated optical-fiber reactor achieves very high irradiated surface area, and high packing geometry that is > 100 times superior to existing reactors.
Potential Applications:
- Industrial emissions treatment and control
- Advanced weight treatment
- Power generation in gas turbines and combustion engines
Benefits and Advantages:
- Customizable- wavelength of light and selection of catalyst can be altered
- Less expensive- offers a cheaper manufacturing alternative
- Economical- requires less resources such as light and power