The utilization of photo catalytic oxidation technology for cleaning air and water is both exciting and newly developed. This technique is the foundation for purification technology that has been commercialized by various companies and extensively studied by researchers.
You can also check out testimony of PCO air purifiers by healthcare professionals too. These technologies involve processing pollutants in a photo reactor, which uses light photons to trigger a reaction that effectively oxidizes and eliminates organic pollutants in both air and water.
Photo reactor based air purifiers are commonly categorized as either Photo catalytic Oxidation (PCO) or Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) types. PECO is also a technology found in some air purifiers.
In this breakdown, we will explore how the PECO air purifier distinguishes it from other air purifiers that utilize the process of photon-activated oxidation to eliminate pollutants.
Concept of Photocatalytic Oxidation?
Photo catalytic oxidation purification is a powerful process that uses light-activated catalysts to effectively neutralize harmful organic pollutants. Through a chemical reaction, these pollutants are transformed into harmless substances, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment.
In the past few decades, numerous papers have been devoted to exploring the potential of this method in purifying the environment from harmful contaminants. With its increasing popularity and the emergence of innovative products from various companies, this groundbreaking technology has gained significant attention.
Comparison of Photocatalytic Processes in PECO and PCO Air Purifiers
Experience a breakthrough in air purification with Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO). This cutting-edge technology surpasses the efficiency of traditional Photo catalytic Oxidation (PCO) air purifiers by leaps and bounds. PECO, utilizing advanced photon-based purification, is the driving force behind some advanced air purifiers. Upgrade to a new era of cleaner, fresher air.
Both PCO and PECO rely on high-energy photons to trigger a series of reactions. These reactions result in the release of negatively charged electrons and the formation of positively charged holes. However, in a PCO process, the combination of electrons and holes greatly limits the availability of holes for further reactions, leading to reduced efficiency.
PECO technology efficiently utilizes light photons to quickly and completely eliminate organic pollutants in the air. By effectively separating electrons and holes, PECO ensures thorough reactions without any unwanted byproducts. Experience the power of PECO for unparalleled oxidation.
The following are the key elements utilized in every photo catalytic process:
Photo catalyst:
Discover the power of photo catalysts for air purification. These substances activate chemical reactions on their surfaces when exposed to light, effectively breaking down pollutants.
In PECO and PCO air purifiers this innovative technology is harnessed to its fullest potential. Our PECO system utilizes a proprietary catalyst, developed and refined over 20 years, to ensure the highest level of efficiency in pollution elimination.
Free Radicals and Reactive Oxygen Species.
Photo reactor processes harness the power of light to release electrons from the catalyst’s surface, resulting in the formation of positive holes. Meanwhile, hydroxyl ions (OH-) naturally arise from water vapor and carry a negative charge.
When inserted into the catalyst surface, these positive holes prompt a reaction where electrons neutralize ions, creating hydroxyl free radicals. Hydroxyl free radicals are incredibly powerful oxidizers, capable of oxidizing even the most resilient organic substances with assistance from oxygen in the air.
As a result of this oxidation process, organic compounds typically transform into carbon dioxide, water, and other minor gasses, similar to incineration but without elevated temperatures.
The PCO and PECO processes differ in how they handle the negative electrons and positive holes produced by photons. In the PCO process, the negative electrons often combine with positive holes quickly, limiting the available holes for reaction.
This leads to low quantum efficiency in PCO photo reactors. On the contrary, the PECO process effectively separates the free electrons from the positive holes, allowing the holes to form hydroxyl free radicals.
The difference between the two processes has significant implications. The PCO process only utilizes a small portion of the photons, making it inefficient.
This inefficiency can lead to the production of toxic byproducts like formaldehyde. On the other hand, the PECO process is highly efficient and results in complete oxidation without any byproducts.
UV Light
The photo catalytic process utilizes light to stimulate and activate the catalyst, initiating a chemical reaction that breaks down pollutants. PECO air purifiers employ low energy UV-A light to kick start this reaction. UV-C light, a highly energetic light band, is the most commonly used type of light for PCO air purifiers to initiate the reaction.
UV-C light is capable of generating ozone, a harmful substance that can harm living organisms. It is crucial to exercise caution and prevent the exposure of individuals, pets, and indoor plants to elevated ozone levels.
Comparing the Safety and Efficacy of PECO and PCO Air Purifiers
Efficiency is key when selecting a photo catalytic system. To ensure optimal performance and minimize byproduct production, engineers must carefully evaluate various factors. These include the intensity of light exposure, types and concentrations of pollutants, airflow within the device, moisture levels in the air, properties of the catalyst, and device configuration.
Consumers can determine the safety and effectiveness of a PCO system through several methods.
