The concept of a floating photocatalytic composite arose from the need to find an affordable and stable solution that could effectively utilize solar radiation for water purification.
Development took place in cooperation with the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry of the CAS, the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, and SChem, a.s., with the support of the Technological Agency of the Czech Republic (Delta 2 program). Scientists from Hanoi University (Vietnam National University of Agriculture) also partially participated in the project with the aim of using the composite to mitigate the local environmental burden.
The main challenge was to anchor the photocatalyst on a lightweight carrier so that it would float on the surface, allowing for maximum utilization of artificial or solar radiation. We tested a number of materials and formulations before achieving a stable and functional composite. This was subsequently tested during the degradation of organic contaminants, such as herbicides and antibiotics.
The result is now ready for practical use and offers more benefits than we originally expected.
More information at www.solardecont.cz