Photocatalytic Nanomaterial for Water Purification and Organic Pollutant Degradation

Abstract

The present invention describes a photocatalytic nanomaterial designed for water purification and organic pollutant degradation. The nanomaterial consists of a semiconductor base doped with metal or non-metal elements and functionalized with co-catalyst layers to enhance light absorption and catalytic efficiency. Upon exposure to light, the nanomaterial generates reactive oxygen species that degrade organic pollutants into harmless byproducts. The material is reusable, environmentally friendly, and effective under both UV and visible light, making it suitable for applications in wastewater treatment, drinking water purification, and environmental remediation. Accompanied Drawing [FIG. 1]

Specification

Description:[001] The present invention relates to the fields of nanotechnology, environmental engineering, and water purification. Specifically, it concerns the development of photocatalytic nanomaterials for the degradation of organic pollutants and the purification of water. The invention is particularly relevant for applications in industrial wastewater treatment, drinking water purification, and environmental remediation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] The following description provides the information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] Water pollution caused by organic contaminants such as dyes, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial effluents poses significant environmental and health risks. Conventional methods for water purification, such as adsorption, filtration, and chemical oxidation, often fail to degrade these pollutants effectively, leaving harmful residues in the water.
[004] Photocatalysis, a process that uses light to activate catalysts for degrading organic compounds, has emerged as a promising solution for water purification. Nanomaterials with photocatalytic properties, such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO), and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), have demonstrated high efficiency in generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) to break down organic pollutants into harmless byproducts like carbon dioxide and water. However, challenges such as low light absorption, poor reusability, and limited catalytic activity under visible light have restricted their practical applications.
[005] This invention introduces an advanced photocatalytic nanomaterial with enhanced light absorption, high stability, and superior catalytic activity, making it suitable for effective water purification and organic pollutant degradation under both UV and visible light.
[006] Accordingly, to overcome the prior art limitations based on aforesaid facts. The present invention provides Photocatalytic Nanomaterial for Water Purification and Organic Pollutant Degradation. Therefore, it would be useful and desirable to have a system, method and apparatus to meet the above-mentioned needs.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[007] The invention provides a photocatalytic nanomaterial for water purification and organic pollutant degradation. The nanomaterial consists of a semiconductor photocatalyst doped with metal or non-metal elements and is further modified with co-catalysts to improve its efficiency under visible light. The material is engineered with high surface area, superior charge separation efficiency, and stability, enabling it to degrade a wide range of organic pollutants effectively.
[008] The photocatalytic nanomaterial can be synthesized using sol-gel, hydrothermal, or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods. Its surface is functionalized to enhance pollutant adsorption and catalytic activity. Upon exposure to light, the nanomaterial generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and superoxide anions (O₂⁻•), which break down organic pollutants into non-toxic byproducts.
[009] The nanomaterial is reusable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective, making it suitable for large-scale applications in wastewater treatment plants, portable water purification systems, and environmental remediation projects.
[010] In this respect, before explaining at least one object of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of set of rules and to the arrangements of the various models set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other objects and of being practiced and carried out in various ways, according to the need of that industry. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[011] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[012] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
FIG. 1: Schematic representation of the photocatalytic nanomaterial structure, showing the doped semiconductor and co-catalyst layers.
FIG. 2: Diagram of the photocatalytic mechanism, illustrating the generation of reactive oxygen species upon light activation.
FIG. 3: Flowchart of the nanomaterial synthesis process, including doping and surface functionalization.
FIG. 4: Experimental setup for testing photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in water.
FIG. 5: Graph of pollutant degradation efficiency over time, comparing the invention with conventional photocatalysts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[013] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one" and the word "plurality" means "one or more" unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or are common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[014] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting of", "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of, "including", or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[015] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, a number of materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[016] The photocatalytic nanomaterial described in this invention is specifically engineered for efficient water purification and organic pollutant degradation. The material comprises several critical components that work synergistically to achieve high photocatalytic activity. At its core, the nanomaterial features a semiconductor base, such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO), or graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), which provides the photocatalytic properties necessary for pollutant degradation. This base is enhanced by doping with metal elements like silver or platinum, or non-metal elements such as nitrogen or sulfur. These dopants play a key role in modifying the semiconductor's bandgap, extending its light absorption capacity into the visible spectrum, and improving the mobility of charge carriers, which are essential for photocatalytic reactions.
[017] To further improve its catalytic efficiency, the semiconductor base is functionalized with co-catalyst layers, such as transition metal oxides (e.g., cobalt oxide, molybdenum disulfide) or noble metals (e.g., gold, silver). These co-catalysts facilitate efficient charge separation and minimize electron-hole recombination, thereby boosting the overall photocatalytic performance. The surface of the nanomaterial is also functionalized with chemical groups like hydroxyl or carboxyl, which enhance the adsorption of pollutants onto the catalyst surface, ensuring that the target contaminants are positioned optimally for degradation.
[018] The photocatalytic mechanism involves a sequence of light-induced reactions that degrade organic pollutants into non-toxic byproducts such as carbon dioxide and water. Upon exposure to UV or visible light, the semiconductor absorbs photons, exciting electrons from its valence band to the conduction band and creating electron-hole pairs. The doping elements and co-catalysts ensure that these electron-hole pairs are efficiently separated, preventing their recombination. The excited electrons react with molecular oxygen to generate superoxide anions (O₂⁻•), while the holes oxidize water molecules to form hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Both reactive oxygen species are highly effective in breaking down complex organic molecules, leading to their complete mineralization.
[019] The nanomaterial is synthesized through scalable methods such as sol-gel processing, hydrothermal synthesis, or chemical vapor deposition (CVD), ensuring uniform particle size, high crystallinity, and stable surface properties. During synthesis, the semiconductor base is doped with the desired elements to modify its optical and electronic properties. The co-catalyst layers are then deposited onto the surface using techniques like sputtering, electroplating, or chemical deposition. Finally, functional groups are introduced via chemical treatments to further enhance pollutant adsorption and catalytic efficiency.
[020] In operation, the nanomaterial is deployed in a water treatment reactor where contaminated water flows over or through the material. Upon light activation, the photocatalytic reactions initiate, degrading organic pollutants in the water. The system continuously monitors the degradation process, ensuring efficient purification. The nanomaterial is designed for reusability, allowing it to maintain its catalytic performance over multiple cycles with minimal loss of activity. This combination of advanced photocatalytic properties, scalability, and environmental friendliness makes the nanomaterial a highly effective solution for water purification and organic pollutant degradation in industrial, municipal, and environmental applications.
[021] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-discussed embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
[022] The benefits and advantages which may be provided by the present invention have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. These benefits and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features of any or all of the embodiments.
[023] While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements to the embodiments described above are possible. It is contemplated that these variations, modifications, additions and improvements fall within the scope of the invention. 
, Claims:1. A photocatalytic nanomaterial for water purification, comprising a semiconductor base material doped with metal or non-metal elements and functionalized with co-catalyst layers to enhance light absorption and catalytic activity.
2. The nanomaterial of claim 1, wherein the semiconductor base is titanium dioxide (TiO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO), or graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄).
3. The nanomaterial of claim 1, wherein the dopants include metals such as silver or platinum, or non-metals such as nitrogen or sulfur.
4. The nanomaterial of claim 1, wherein the co-catalyst layers are transition metal oxides or noble metals, improving charge separation efficiency.
5. The nanomaterial of claim 1, wherein the surface is functionalized with hydroxyl or carboxyl groups to enhance pollutant adsorption.
6. The nanomaterial of claim 1, further comprising a synthesis process involving sol-gel, hydrothermal, or chemical vapor deposition methods.
7. A method of water purification using the nanomaterial of claim 1, wherein the material generates reactive oxygen species upon exposure to light to degrade organic pollutants.
8. The nanomaterial of claim 1, configured for reuse in multiple water purification cycles without significant loss of activity.

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