Riken Technos Corp. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kazuaki Tokiwa) has co-developed a material that is easily recoverable after water treatment by supporting iron oxide magnetic particles on porous bodies, in collaboration with Niihama National College of Technology (Niihama City, Ehime; President: Akihiro Tokai).

### 1. Research Background Photocatalytic water treatment is gaining attention as an environmentally friendly technology that requires no external chemicals. However, dispersing photocatalytic particles in wastewater makes recovery difficult after treatment, posing a challenge for practical operation. Furthermore, refining particles to increase catalytic activity prevents them from settling, making filtration and recovery even more difficult.

### 2. Aim of the Joint Research By combining Niihama College's research track record in this field with Riken Technos' materials compounding technology and commercialization expertise, the project seeks to implement basic research findings in society. Riken Technos is responsible for material design, process development, scaling up, and business planning for practical application.

### 3. Features of the Developed Material The newly developed photocatalyst possesses both the ability to decompose organic matter in wastewater and the property of being easily collected by magnets.

* **Porous Structure with Iron Oxide Magnetic Particles**: Magnetic particles containing one or more types of α-Fe2O3, γ-Fe2O3, or Fe3O4 are supported on porous bodies like zeolite or diatomaceous earth, achieving both dispersibility and recoverability. * **Visible Light Photocatalysis Using Sunlight**: Due to the visible light responsiveness of iron oxide, organic matter can be decomposed under sunlight without relying on artificial light sources. * **Easy Recovery via Magnets**: The magnetic properties allow for rapid recovery using magnets after use, making it suitable for water treatment processes based on reuse.

### 4. Envisaged Application Fields * Treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater * Decentralized water treatment using photocatalysts * Treatment processes requiring recovery and reuse * Energy-saving water treatment utilizing sunlight

The company will proceed with performance optimization and evaluation in real-world water systems to further advance development toward commercialization.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product