Ozone decomposition catalyst for treating ozone produced by UV

1. Principle and reaction mechanism of ozone decomposition catalyst
The core of ozone decomposition is to accelerate the chemical reaction of O₃ decomposing into O₂ through the active sites on the catalyst surface. The reaction formula is:
2O₃ → 3O₂
The reaction can be carried out at room temperature (20~50℃) without high temperature or additional energy input. The catalytic process is divided into three key steps:

Adsorption: Ozone molecules attach to the catalyst surface through physical or chemical adsorption;

Electron transfer: The active components of the catalyst (such as metal oxides) exchange electrons with ozone, weakening the O-O bond;

Dissociation and recombination: Ozone molecules break into O₂ and a single oxygen atom (O), and then the oxygen atoms combine to form O₂ and desorb.

The specific surface area, pore structure and active site distribution of the catalyst directly affect the reaction efficiency, so the material design needs to take into account both high adsorption and rapid mass transfer capabilities.

2. Mainstream catalyst material system

1. Transition metal oxide catalysts
Represented by MnO₂, CuO, Fe₂O₃, etc., ozone decomposition is achieved through the variable valence characteristics of metal ions (such as Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺).

MnO₂-based catalyst: has a layered or tunnel structure, provides abundant active sites, and the ozone conversion rate can reach more than 98%, but is easily affected by humidity;

CuO/Al₂O₃: The carrier Al₂O₃ improves the dispersion, and the electron transfer efficiency between Cu²⁺ and O₃ is high, which is suitable for high-concentration ozone environments.

2. Precious metal-loaded catalyst
Pt, Pd, Ag and other precious metal nanoparticles are loaded on Al₂O₃, molecular sieves or activated carbon carriers, and the high catalytic activity of precious metals is used to achieve low-temperature and efficient decomposition.

Pt/Al₂O₃: Strong stability, lifespan can reach more than 5 years, but the cost is high, mostly used in precision instruments or medical equipment;

Ag-TiO₂: has both photocatalytic and ozone decomposition properties, suitable for UV collaborative purification systems.

3. Composite and new catalysts
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs): ozone selective adsorption and decomposition through adjustable pore structure;
Perovskite oxides (such as LaCoO₃): high temperature sintering preparation, excellent moisture resistance and anti-poisoning ability;
Carbon-based materials (graphene, carbon nanotubes): high conductivity accelerates electron transfer, often used in combination with metal oxides.

III. Technical advantages and performance indicators
Compared with traditional high-temperature pyrolysis (>300℃), catalytic decomposition has significant advantages:
High efficiency and energy saving: operating at room temperature, energy consumption is reduced by more than 70%;
Safety and environmental protection: no secondary pollution (such as NOx, CO generation);
Long life: catalyst life is 2~5 years, and moisture-resistant materials can withstand 80%RH environment;
Compact design: modular structure adapts to UV equipment integration, low maintenance cost.

Key performance parameters:

Ozone removal rate: >95% (air velocity 1000~5000 h⁻¹);

Moisture resistance: the efficiency of some catalysts decreases by <10% when the humidity is >60%;

Mechanical strength: anti-wear, anti-airflow impact, and avoid powdering.

IV. Typical application scenarios
Ultraviolet disinfection equipment: Ozone generated by UV lamps in hospital air purification and water treatment systems needs to be decomposed in real time to ensure environmental safety;

Printing and electronics industry: Ozone released by UV curing equipment is treated by catalytic modules and then discharged in compliance with emission standards;

Laboratories and clean rooms: Precision instruments are sensitive to ozone, and catalytic decomposition can maintain low concentrations at the ppm level;

Atmospheric governance: Combined with photocatalytic technology, it is used for emergency treatment of urban ozone pollution.

5. Challenges and future development directions
Material optimization: Develop low-cost, high moisture resistance catalysts (such as doping with rare earth elements);

Mechanism research: Reveal the surface reaction path with the help of in-situ characterization techniques (such as XPS, DRIFTS);

Intelligent integration: Combine catalysts with sensors and control systems to achieve dynamic regulation;

Resource recovery: Explore the resource utilization of ozone decomposition byproducts (such as O₂).

Conclusion
Ozone decomposition catalysts have become the preferred solution for ozone treatment in UV-related industries due to their high efficiency and energy-saving characteristics. With the cross-innovation of materials science and environmental engineering, catalysts will continue to develop in the direction of high performance and intelligence in the future, providing more reliable technical support for industrial environmental protection and health protection.