Light-activated photocatalyst for chemical-free air pathogen and odor destruction
Hydrophobic photocatalytic composite material that adsorbs and degrades airborne contaminants using only ambient air and light. Eliminates pathogens and odor-causing chemicals without chemical additives, outperforming TiO2 and compatible with HEPA filtration systems.
Overview
This solution leverages a novel hydrophobic photocatalytic composite material developed at Rice University to destroy pathogens and odor-causing chemicals in air streams. The technology requires only ambient air and light to operate, eliminating the need for chemical additives. While optimized under UV-C (254 nm) illumination, the material remains active under ambient solar radiation, offering flexible deployment options. The technology builds on four peer-reviewed publications and two issued provisional patents (with a third pending) demonstrating effectiveness against recalcitrant perfluoroalkyl substances in water, now being adapted for gas-phase air treatment applications.
Technical specifications
Core technology:
- Hydrophobic surface combined with broad-wavelength-absorbing semiconductor material
- Adsorbs organic compounds including odor-causing chemicals and pathogens on the hydrophobic portion
- Photocatalytic component degrades adsorbed contaminants using ambient air and light
- Material properties tunable to target broad classes of chemical functionalities
- Non-toxic composite synthesized from earth-abundant, commercially available sources
- Outperforms traditional photocatalysts such as TiO2
System design:
- Flow module incorporating the composite photocatalytic material
- Compatible with UV-C (254 nm) light sources and ambient solar radiation
- Designed for integration with existing HEPA filtration systems
- Performance targets include 3-log decrease in pathogens
Technology readiness level
The underlying photocatalytic materials have been validated through peer-reviewed publications demonstrating degradation of recalcitrant perfluoroalkyl substances in water. Two provisional patents have been issued with a third pending. The technology is now advancing toward air-stream applications, with planned development of a flow module, testing across varied flow rates and contaminant concentrations, and investigation of multiple contaminant classes to refine composite synthesis. Integration with existing HEPA filtration systems is also being explored.
About Rice University
Rice University is a private research university in Houston recognized for small scale and intensive research. Industry engages through on-campus design and prototyping facilities and multi-tenant research space adjacent to the Texas Medical Center, enabling clinical collaboration and rapid validation. A university-backed innovation district in central Houston links corporate R&D with faculty labs, startups, and talent, and proximity to the Energy Corridor and NASA’s Johnson Space Center provides access to regional clusters. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, NASA, and DoD. A dedicated technology transfer office supports IP strategy, licensing, startup formation, and streamlined sponsored research agreements.
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