Creation of high-performance devices for "Three Cs" environmental purification by using composite photocatalysts

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K19628
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Exploratory)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 58:Society medicine, nursing, and related fields
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: Yang Yingnan 筑波大学, 生命環境系, 教授 (50561007)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-07-09 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 光触媒技術 / ウイルス分解 / 殺菌 / デバイス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we have fabricated a novel silver and silver phosphate-supported TiO2 composite that was immobilized on dimethylpolysiloxane polymer with self-adhesive properties. The photocatalytic device by using the developed composite showed higher efficiency on virus degradation and sterilization under visible light. We succeeded in developing a composite photocatalytic material that is inexpensive, stable, and durable firstly. Then we used that material to fabricate a photocatalytic device fixed to a reticulated scaffold and equipped with LEDs and a small ventilation fan. Using the developed device, we have verified the degradation of Enterococcus sp., a model bacterium used to verify the antiviral effect, and confirmed its sufficient antiviral and antibacterial effects. In addition, a comprehensive evaluation of safety and penetration was also conducted, and it became clear that practical deployment was fully possible.

Free Research Field

環境生物工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ナノ粒子である本触媒の実用展開のため、自己接着性を持つジメチルポリシロキサンに着目し、光触媒と高分子を融合した複合材料の開発に挑戦した。また光触媒に含まれる銀イオンは抗菌性を持つため、明暗とも活用できる研究構想は触媒材料面での学術的貢献ができた。さらに、ウイルス分解・殺菌に焦点を絞って、安価で安全性と耐久性に優れた複合型光触媒を用いたウイルス分解・殺菌が可能なデバイスの創出によって、日本発新しい公共衛生・国際保健に貢献可能な技術を世界に発信できると考えられる。本研究で得られた成果は、学校、病院、交通機関、劇場、飲食店、老人ホーム、スポーツ業界、携帯電話などに応用展開が可能である。