Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Nanofibrous Manganese Dioxide for Volatile Organic Compounds
EPA Contract Number: 68D02027Title: Nanofibrous Manganese Dioxide for Volatile Organic Compounds
Investigators: Xiao, Danny
Small Business: Inframat Corporation
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: Nanotechnology , SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , Air Quality and Air Toxics
Description:
The overall objective of this Phase I research project was to demonstrate the feasibility of a nanofibrous MnO2 "bird's nest" superstructure for catalysis and filtration applications.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
Development to date demonstrates that the unique MnO2 material has excellent catalytic properties that can destroy a wide range of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) priority volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including halogenated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, and some ketoses and esters. Inframat Corporation, in collaboration with the University of Connecticut's Environmental Research Laboratory, has constructed a prototype VOC emission control device in which the nanofibrous MnO2 bird's nest superstructures are assembled into a cartridge form and installed in a heated tube with air flow control. Performance evaluation of this prototype device demonstrated that more than 50 VOCs could be completely eliminated at temperatures ranging from 200°C to 350°C, with intake VOC concentration levels of up to 1,000 ppb. With the reaction parameters obtained from this Phase I project and the results of the prototype device performance testing, it is planned to fabricate a highly effective air purification unit at a 100 cfm capacity and at a reasonable cost during Phase II.
Major commercial uses for nanofibrous MnO2 bird's nest superstructure materials include pollution control devices, VOC emission control devices, advance catalysts, and mitigation of air and water pollutants, as well as uses in beverages and pharmaceuticals. Reducing highly toxic VOCs and other pollutants found in indoor and outdoor air to the sub-ppb level will enhance quality-of-life. This nanofibrous bird's nest superstructure also may have other applications, including ozone destruction, water filtration, and waste management.
One area of progressively increasing importance is the use of improved environmental catalysts for pollution control devices. Reducing the currently undesirable high concentrations of VOCs, CO, NOx, and ozone produced by combustion engines necessitates significantly improved catalysts for cleaning the environment. Indoor air quality has been linked to Sick Building Syndrome and other building-related illnesses. Most indoor air pollution originates from sources inside the building. For example, adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, copy machines, pesticides, and cleaning agents may emit VOCs. Environmental tobacco smoke contributes high levels of VOCs, other toxic compounds, and respirable particulate matter as well. Research shows that some VOCs can cause chronic and acute health effects at high concentrations, and some are known carcinogens. Low-to-moderate levels of multiple VOCs also may produce acute reactions.
Conclusions:
EPA's Stage I Disinfectants and Disinfectants Byproducts (DBPs) Rule lowers the maximum contaminant level for the DPBs known as total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) from 100 to 80 ppb (with goals of 60 and 40 ppb). As public water utilities move toward compliance with these new standards, the microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration markets will expand dramatically. In addition, microorganisms such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia lamblia are resistant to chlorination. Inframat Corporation's nanofibrous MnO2 is a promising material for the removal of the organic precursors of DPBs, microbial contaminants, and TTHMs from drinking water, and may represent an improvement over granular activated carbon.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 6 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
nanofibrous manganese oxide, MnO2, volatile organic compounds, VOCs, indoor air, pollution, filtration, emissions, total trihalomethanes, TTHM, hydrocarbons, Sick Building Syndrome, Cryptosporidium, Giardia lamblia, SBIR., Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Waste, Remediation, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Engineering, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry and Materials Science, New/Innovative technologies, Environmental Engineering, sustainability, nanoparticle remediation, nanofibrous manganese dioxide, biotechnology, wastewater, emission controls, environmental sustainability, innovative technologies, bio-engineering, VOC filters, remediation technologies, environmentally applicable nanoparticles, bioremediation, biodegradation, nanotechnology, decontamination, nanofibers, nanoparticle based remediation, bioengineeringThe 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.