Emerging Technology Report: Development of a Photothermal Detoxification Unit

摘要

There has long been interest in utilizing photochemical methods for destroyinghazardous organic materials. Researchers at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) have developed a unique photothermal process that overcomes many of the problems previously encountered with direct photochemical detoxification techniques. Specifically, it has been found that there are numerous advantages to conducting photochemical detoxification at relatively high temperatures. Under the conditions of simultaneous exposure to heat and ultraviolet (UV) radiation the rate of destructive photothermal reactions can be greatly increased and that these reactions result in the complete mineralization of the waste feed. Futhermore, it has been demonstrated that at the elevated temperatures used in this process the efficiency of UV radiation absorption also increases resulting in an overall improvement in process efficiency. These features (i.e., fast, efficient, and complete destruction of organic wastes) makes this process a promising technique for destroying hazardous organic wastes in the gas-phase.