Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Enhanced VOC Oxidation

EPA Contract Number: 68D02012
Title: Enhanced VOC Oxidation
Investigators: Nemser, Stuart
Small Business: Compact Membrane Systems Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: April 1, 2002 through September 1, 2002
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2002) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , Air Quality and Air Toxics

Description:

The goal of this Phase I research project was the development of a new hybrid nanoparticle catalyst platform with a universal capability of improved catalysis oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and improved gas transport and separation.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. (CMS), found that catalytic oxidation of VOCs such as methyl ethyl ketone, propylene, and others with a CMS-7 membrane containing 18 wt-percent of dispersed platinum black particles was not possible with a platinum particle size of 100 nm and at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the membrane. Incorporation of ultrafine platinum particles into the membrane remains to be tested as a potential route for success. Platinum incorporation also has potential for enhancing the observed photocatalytic activity of TiO2 dispersed in the membrane.

A high degree of photocatalytic oxidation, particularly of methyl ethyl ketone, was observed at room temperature when Degussa P-25 TiO2 anatase was dispersed in the membrane at a concentration of 18 wt-percent. The Degussa material also was found to be photocatalytically active without the polymer matrix. A further activity increase appears achievable by utilizing TiO2 with a smaller particle size and by optimizing the TiO2 content.

The existing substantial potential for significant photocatalytic activity of ultrafine TiO2 incorporated into the membrane by hydrolysis of a TiCl4 precursor has not yet been realized, apparently due to lacking crystallinity of TiO2 and possible detrimental surface defects. Modification of the process conditions for the formation of photocatalytically active TiO2 are needed by enhancing the TiO2 crystallinity and by improving the surface characteristics.

A modified membrane containing ultrafine TiO2 generated by TiCl4 hydrolysis demonstrated catalytic activity with regard to oxidation of nitrobenzene with ozone at room temperature in the liquid phase. It is expected that this activity also will be observed in the gas phase.

Conclusions:

A CMS-7 membrane with a TiO2 content optimized for photocatalytic degradation of undesirable VOCs in the surrounding air is expected to become the basis for its practical application as a coating on fluorescent light fixtures.

Supplemental Keywords:

nanotechnology, hybrid nanoparticle, catalyst, oxidation, volatile organic compound, VOC, gas transport, membrane, methyl ethyl ketone, platinum, TiO2, photocatalysis, TiCl4, hydrolysis, fluorescent light fixtures, SBIR., Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Waste, Water, Remediation, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Engineering, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Chemistry, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry and Materials Science, Biochemistry, New/Innovative technologies, Environmental Engineering, sustainability, nanoparticle remediation, biotechnology, aquifer remediation design, innovative technologies, groundwater contamination, contaminated aquifers, wastewater, environmental sustainability, bio-engineering, groundwater remediation, remediation technologies, environmentally applicable nanoparticles, biodegradation, bioremediation, VOC oxidation, nanotechnology, decontamination, bioengineering