Photocatalytic Environmental Purification Technology - March 2004

Photocatalytic Environmental Purification Technology - March 2004

Photocatalytic technology using titanium dioxide (TiO2), developed by the Kyushu Center of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), has been introduced in Kumamoto Prefecture and is treating approximately 5,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day. The system decomposes harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Using this technology, MHI has successfully reduced the plant's VOC emissions by more than 90%. Using ultraviolet light, a chemical reaction is activated on the surface of TiO2, converting pollutants into harmless carbon dioxide and water. Because it consumes little energy and uses no chemicals, this technology has been adopted as an air pollution control measure in urban areas such as Tokyo and Osaka. This sustainable and environmentally friendly technology is also cost-effective and is spreading.