Photochemical Air Treatment Development

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A recent report by The Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health attributes over 6.5 million deaths per year worldwide due to air pollution; harmful atmospheric emissions are also contributing to climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion. One source of air emissions that is in need of novel scientific and engineering approaches is hospitals and similar sites, which emit nitrous oxide (N2O) and halogenated anesthetic gases from surgical and maternity facilities, usually without any controls. These emissions are both greenhouse gases and ozone depleting, and can contribute to deterioration of air quality. Current options for control are limited or require high temperatures which makes them economically unattractive for common use, and relatively little is known about alternative approaches. The goal of this research program is to examine photochemical approaches to controlling these emissions and degrading the gases. Photochemical methods have the advantage of being effective at ambient temperatures. However, there is limited information or experience with using photocatalysts or UV photolysis methods with these compounds, especially under realistic operating conditions. This program will explore the use of these approaches using several different photocatalysts and a variety of operating conditions, to identify conditions under which this might be a feasible approach. Fundamental knowledge on the photochemical and the physical-chemistry behaviour of alternative treatment concepts will be generated for use in conceptual design and understanding, and this knowledge will be extendable to a range of other similar emission control problems. One key aspect will be a partial focus on reductive treatment rather than the more common oxidative treatment of some of these gases. Unique training opportunities for up to 10 students will be provided in the areas of photochemistry, air quality, emission control process design and novel materials development. After graduation, these students will be able to contribute to the urgent need for new and improved emission control strategies across a wide variety of industrial sectors, and experience has shown that there is a demand for personnel with these skills. Contributions to potential commercialization of new approaches will also be made and encouraged during and beyond this research program. Such commercialization activities will assist with local air quality improvements, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and provide opportunities for novel Canadian business developments and increased employment.