High Performance Photocatalytic Oxidation Reactor System

Pioneer Astronautics proposes a technology program for the development of an innovative photocatalytic oxidation reactor for the removal and mineralization of Volatile Organic Compounds to extend crewed space exploration beyond low earth orbit. This novel technology, called the High Performance Photocatalytic Oxidation Reactor System (HPPORS) leverages recent progress in high power Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and efficient, visible wavelength photooxidation (PO) catalysts to completely oxidize Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to carbon dioxide and water. The basis of the innovation is the synthesis of commercial high power, high brightness LEDs with efficient geometric illumination of active visible-light activated PO catalyst in a high surface area to volume fiber optic reactor. This combined approach leads to numerous performance benefits including high VOC conversion efficiency, compact reactor volume, and low pressure drop. The development of the HPPORS technology will lead to a photocatalytic reactor that meets the rigorous compliance requirements of complete VOC mineralization to CO2 and H2O, while utilizing efficient visible LEDs or solar energy in a compact, scalable package.