Visible-light photocatalytic production of reactive oxygen species and chlorine dioxide
A photocatalytic process that uses visible light, water-soluble photosensitizers, and electron donors such as EDTA or sodium nitrite to generate reactive oxygen species (superoxide and hydroxyl radicals) and chlorine dioxide in aqueous solution for disinfection and sanitation applications.
Overview
This research proposes a visible-light-driven photocatalytic approach for producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, and the powerful sanitizer chlorine dioxide (ClO2) in aqueous solutions. By using water-soluble photosensitizers and electron donors such as EDTA or sodium nitrite, the system aims to generate disinfecting species under ambient conditions using only visible light and air. The approach is designed for applications in home consumer disinfection, water treatment, and surface sanitization, offering a potentially safer and more accessible alternative to traditional chemical sanitizers.
Technical specifications
- Uses water-soluble photosensitizers such as metal complexes or organic dyes with visible-light absorption
- Employs EDTA as a sacrificial electron donor to drive superoxide and hydroxyl radical formation
- Uses sodium nitrite as an alternative electron donor to enable simultaneous production of superoxide and ClO2
- Incorporates anionic surfactants and non-toxic antibacterial quaternary ammonium compounds such as dialkyldimethylammonium chlorides as supporting electrolytes to facilitate photocatalytic redox processes
- Operates in aqueous solution under air and visible light irradiation, without requiring UV light or hazardous chemical inputs
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an early research stage. Future validation will involve laboratory experiments using EDTA with commercially available photosensitizers to confirm ROS generation under visible light, followed by testing with sodium nitrite to achieve combined superoxide and ClO2 production. Performance optimization with surfactants and quaternary ammonium electrolyte additives is planned as part of the validation roadmap.
About University of Memphis
The University of Memphis is an R1 public research university with strengths spanning engineering, earth sciences, cognitive science, public health, and business. Signature units include the FedEx Institute of Technology, the Center for Earthquake Research and Information focused on the New Madrid Seismic Zone, and the Institute for Intelligent Systems working at the intersection of AI, learning, and cognitive modeling. Faculty secure competitive funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Department of Defense, alongside partnerships with regional industry. The University of Memphis Research Foundation and UMRF Research Park facilitate technology transfer, startup formation, and corporate collaborations. Application domains where the university is particularly active include logistics and supply chain, seismic hazard assessment, cybersecurity, intelligent tutoring and learning technologies, health analytics, and advanced manufacturing.
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