Improving photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) technology for healthy indoor air quality: design, testing, and modeling

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Modern building ventilation design must take into account the health and comfort of occupants as well as energy consumption and the environment. The system needs to protect occupants against chemical contaminants from numerous internal sources - office equipment, furniture, building materials, appliances, as well as bio-contaminants. In order to reduce exposure to internal contaminants, outdoor air is brought in to dilute the contaminants. On the other hand, the volume of the outdoor air intake can have a direct negative effect on the energy cost of ventilation as there is a cost to heat, cool, humidify or dehumidify the outdoor air depending on the location and season. This leads to a challenge to find the optimal balance between Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and ventilation cost. In this context, photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) is often considered an attractive alternative to the mechanical ventilation systems. This technology can play a prominent role in reducing building energy consumption and reducing indoor air contaminant level, hence improving the well-being of occupants.***In the past two decades, many investigations have been conducted on photocatalytic oxidation of gaseous contaminants. However, researchers are still facing the challenge of enhancing the efficiency of the PCO technology to remove air pollutants. In the meantime, the PCO technology could generate certain harmful contaminants during the air-cleaning process. Limited scientific data reveals its health effects. ***The proposed program aims to fill the above-mentioned knowledge gaps. The long-term goal of my research program is to lay the groundwork for promoting and investigating this pioneered PCO technology in the development of advanced air purification systems/building materials with new techniques such as nanotechnology and photocatalysis. This program will help us build leadership in the development of future generations of high-performance heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. It will timely address worldwide challenges of indoor air pollution. The research will involve both experimental and modeling aspects.***In summary, this proposed research program focuses on developing and validating PCO-based air cleaning technology for HVAC system application and providing scientific data documenting their performance in non-industrial buildings. Our team aims to overcome the current challenges and make PCO a viable technology creating healthy and productive indoor environment for Canadian and people all around the world. In the next five years, I expect to train 1 MSc and 2 PhDs, as well as 5 undergraduate students with this grant.