Grantee Research Project Results
2023 Progress Report: UV-LED Photocatalytic Fuel Vapor Emissions Control
EPA Grant Number: SV840016Title: UV-LED Photocatalytic Fuel Vapor Emissions Control
Investigators: Almquist, Catherine
Institution: Miami University
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Phase: II
Project Period: July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022 (Extended to September 30, 2023)
Project Period Covered by this Report: July 1, 2022 through June 30,2023
Project Amount: $74,663
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet - Phase 2 (2020) Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards
Objective:
This project's ultimate goal is to develop a cost-effective and technologically feasible prototype that would be incorporated into an automobile to reduce evaporative fuel vapor emissions by at least 70% compared to current fuel vapor emission control systems. Three design parameters on which Phase 2 efforts will be focused are: 1) the size and construction of a light weight, low power cylindrical prototype, 2) the durability of the photocatalytic film, and 3) the power, intensity, and distribution of the UV LEDs. Stant Manufacturing suggested that the prototype be lightweight, low power, low cost, and highly effective for inclusion into the existing on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) systems.
The Phase II objectives and strategies are to: 1) Construct a cylindrical UV LED photocatalytic fuel vapor emissions control device that is 3 cm diameter by 10 cm in length, a size that can fit into the current ORVR system; 2) Demonstrate a photocatalytic film that is durable to abrasion and vibrations and when exposed to water vapor; 3) Identify and assess the limitations of this technology for the following experimental variables: the intensity of the UV LEDs at the photocatalytic film, the illuminated area and type of photocatalytic film, residence time, concentration and type of hydrocarbon, UV LED intensity and wavelength, humidity, and the longevity of service life of our device; 4) Demonstrate the operation of the prototype in standard test systems; 5) Conduct an economic analysis for the proposed technology to assess economic attractiveness from multiple perspectives (auto manufacturers, human health, regulations); and 6) Design and develop educational and marketing tools for this technology.
Progress Summary:
Progress toward each of the objectives was made in the first two years of our Phase 2 efforts. Only the progress made in the reporting period is described below:
- ZnO/TiO2 composites from sol-gel methods were investigated in an effort to improve upon the durability and photocatalytic activity of the photocatalytic film, but the ZnO/TiO2 composites were found to be less active than pure TiO2.
Future Activities:
The project team will compile the final report to summarize the key results acquired during this study.
Journal Articles on this Report : 3 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
| Other project views: | All 10 publications | 3 publications in selected types | All 3 journal articles |
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Almquist CB, Kocher J, Saxton K, Simonson L, Danciutiu A, Nguyen PJ, Bain J. A Novel Application of Photocatalysis:A UV-LED Photocatalytic Device for Controlling Diurnal Evaporative Fuel Vapor Emissions from Automobiles . Catalysts. 2022. 31;13(1):85. |
SV840016 (2023) |
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Almquist CB, O’Hare I, Garza L, Badahman A, Jung W, Hanzel S, Neal J. UV-LED Photocatalytic Device for the Oxidation of Ethanol and Hexane Vapors in Air . Chemistry Proceedings. 2021. 14;6(1):4. |
SV840016 (2023) |
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Sanusi I, Almquist CB. ZnO/TiO2 Composite Thin-Film Photocatalysts for Gas-Phase Oxidation of Ethanol. Catalysts. 2023. 11;13(8):1203. |
SV840016 (2023) |
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Supplemental Keywords:
UV LED, photocatalysis, fuel vapors
Progress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractP3 Phase I:
UV-LED Photocatalytic Fuel Vapor Emissions Control | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.