Air purifying matrix for the oxidation of air-borne particulate and gases

摘要

The present invention is an air purifying matrix to remove, reduce or detoxify organic pollutants. The matrix has an inert substrate, a photoreactive semiconductor material, and aqueous particles. The inert substrate is water absorbent, transparent to ultraviolet light, able to withstand extended periods of exposure to all wavelengths of ultraviolet light side of the spectrum without decomposing or altering the structure thereof, able to withstand high concentrations of hydroxyl radicals without decomposing or altering the structure thereof, and in the form of an expanded granular type with spaces therein. The photoreactive semiconductor material is crystallized within the spaces. And the aqueous particles are within the spaces to form photoreactive metal semiconductor material nano-reactors within the matrix. These nano-reactors generate high concentrations of hydroxyl radicals which surround and diffuse through the matrix, and remove, reduce or detoxify organic pollutants within and surrounding the matrix. Moreover, the ultraviolet light is at a wavelength which the semiconductor material photoreacts.