Photocatalysis

Less invasive than other treatments, sanitisation by photocatalysis consists in the faithful reproduction of a reaction that commonly occurs in nature.

The sun's UV rays are able, through the effect of the humidity in the air and certain naturally occurring noble metals, to give rise to oxidising molecules capable of easily destroying bacteria, moulds and other substances floating in the air.

Photocatalysis technology artificially reproduces this process, intensifying it through the use of catalysts.

A UV lamp emits ultraviolet rays which, absorbed by a filter made of a special catalysing alloy (titanium dioxide), induce oxygen molecules (O₂) to bind with water particles (H₂O) present in the air humidity.

The reaction leads to the formation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) molecules, commonly known as hydrogen peroxide, an effective disinfectant substance capable of destroying even the most resistant microbiotic charges.

Spores, moulds, bacteria, allergens and odours in the air are attacked by peroxide, which decomposes them through an oxidative effect, leading to the formation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water.

The main reason certainly lies in the low invasiveness of the treatment, which can also be performed in the presence of patients and people. While ozone has some contraindications in terms of health (prolonged exposure may prove harmful to oral mucous membranes and more generally to the respiratory tract, link to previous article), photocatalysis is a completely harmless process, which does not require clearing out the rooms to be treated and for which there is no need for post-treatment ventilation.

Finally, another plus: unlike other sanitisation techniques that stop at the elimination of odours, allergens and other microorganisms, photocatalysis is also effective against dust mites. As a result, the risk of skin infections or asthmatic problems will also be reduced.