Concave microlens arrays with tunable curvatures for enhanced photodegradation of organic pollutants in water: A non-contact approach
A solar-driven reactor incorporating non-contact concave microlens arrays (MLAs) for efficient photodegradation under solar light.
Highlights
- A solar-driven reactor incorporating non-contact concave microlens arrays (MLAs) for efficient photodegradation under solar light.
Opportunity
The University of Alberta inventors have developed a solar-driven reactor incorporating concave microlens arrays (MLAs). Concave MLAs are able to effectively enhance the photodegradation of dyes, antibiotics, and other pollutants in water, even when the irradiation is weakened due to the undesirable condition of light sources or the scattering and turbid properties of water matrices. Using concave microlenses for this application has the advantage of not being in contact with a water source and is much more durable than convex microlenses.
The performance of concave MLAs is assessed under weaker irradiation, in actual river water, and in water with high turbidity.
Competitive advantage
- Efficient photodegradation
- Flexible
Status
- Patent in draft
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a large, comprehensive public research university in Edmonton with multiple campuses and a strong applied research culture. Industry engages through co-located labs and pilot-scale facilities, as well as established co-op and internship programs that place talent with partners year-round. Integration with Alberta’s province-wide hospital system supports clinical research and accelerates translation. Companies also benefit from proximity to regional industry clusters and collaboration hubs on and near campus for joint R&D and prototyping. Supported by NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and Canada Foundation for Innovation funding—plus provincial and industry support—the tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation with streamlined sponsored-research agreements.
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