UV-LED photocatalytic micro-reactor for chlorine-free drinking water
A compact photocatalytic micro-reactor using immobilized plasmonic photocatalysts and UV-LEDs to reduce total chlorine below 0.1 mg/L in drinking water without chemicals or waste. The technology builds on demonstrated removal of chlorinated pharmaceuticals and micropollutants and targets safe water for dialysis applications.
Overview
This solution combines immobilized plasmonic photocatalysts with UV-LED illumination inside a compact photo micro-reactor to remove chlorine species from drinking water. The approach targets total chlorine, including free chlorine and chloramines, reducing levels to below 0.1 mg/L without chemical dosing or waste discharge. The technology is being developed for dialysis water preparation, where strict chlorine limits are essential to patient safety.
Technical specifications
- Plasmonic photocatalysts immobilized on supports such as titanium, enabling adsorption and photocatalytic breakdown of chlorine-containing compounds
- UV-LED photoreactor design offering higher wall-plug efficiency and smaller reactor footprints than conventional lamp-based systems
- Micro-reactor architecture with UV-LED arrays providing sufficient power output for dechlorination of drinking water quality feed
- Functionalization options including positive charged groups to enhance removal of chlorinated species such as diclofenac and triclosan
- No chemical addition and no waste stream during the dechlorination process
Technology readiness level
The photocatalyst and UV-LED reactor concepts have been validated in laboratory studies, including decomposition of 18 pharmaceutical active ingredients with statistically significant removal of chlorinated compounds. Current work is focused on developing UV-LED photocatalytic micro-reactors with sufficient power for drinking water dechlorination, with a planned one-year study evaluating free chlorine and chloramine removal across multiple drinking water sources. The project is seeking dialysis expertise and funding for materials and personnel to advance toward field validation.
About WaterPuris
WaterPuris Inc. is a Canadian company that develops water treatment solutions centered on Exobubble, a nanobubble process intensification technology. This system utilizes the properties of nanobubbles, such as neutral buoyancy and a small negative charge, to perform tasks including particle separation, advanced oxidation, and in-situ cleaning. The technology is designed to be compact and adaptable to existing infrastructure, aiming to enhance productivity by reducing chemical and energy costs. The company provides R&D services to tailor these nanobubble solutions for various industrial applications, including agriculture, aquaculture, food and beverage processing, mining, and oil and gas operations.
The company serves industrial and specialized clients looking to meet sustainability and ESG targets by enabling effective water reuse and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. WaterPuris has engaged with various innovation ecosystems, including the Velocity incubator, and has been recognized in competitions like the AquaHacking Finals and the FAMAE Water Challenge. Furthermore, the company continues to explore advanced applications for its technology, including a research project supported by the Canadian Space Agency focused on extracting and purifying water from lunar regolith using multi-stage distillation systems.
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