This proposal involves the focused effort by this team to translate the results of current NSF funded research on visible light photocatalysts for water remediation (nanogrids) into actual products for the remediation market. Nanogrids -i.e. miniaturized "fishing nets"-like self-supported mats that float on water- of these nanocatalysts rapidly decompose crude oil and other contaminants using solar irradiation, and fast and at low cost turn them into water, carbon dioxide, and biodegradable organics. Therefore, these nanogrids may clean oil spills effectively, whether these are near the seashore or in the middle of the ocean; at a refinery, or at a water cleaning facility. The proposed project addresses the scalability of the synthesis method used for the nanogrids and aims to produce a prototype of the nanogrids technology for use in remediating oil pollution. The photocatalytic nanogrids tehnology that this team are developing involve green photochemistry; uses the whole spectrum of the solar irradiation (unlike the industrial catalysts that respond to UV-light only) thus providing significantly improved catalytic efficiency; it responds to various types of contaminants (thus enabling diverse uses); and offers complete oxidation of hydrocarbons into ecofriendly species. The potential flexibility of process conditions (contact time with pollutant, floatability, recovery, reuse), the fact that it responds to an urgent need for economic water remediation technologies, and its potential to go from the lab to the marketplace within months, make the nanogrids a breakthrough nanotechnology worth exploring further towards commercialization.
Oil derivatives are among the most dangerous compounds for the environment. The photocatalytic nanogrids technology provides a means to contain and clean oil contamination, especially in water, in a most cost-effective and ecofriendly manner. While current photocatalysts are activated by only about 2% of the solar irradiance, the nanogrids respond to radiation from the full solar spectrum. And solar power is free. Apart from water remediation, immediate uses of the nanogrids technology are envisioned in filtration, as well as in biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. Scaling-up the nanomanufacturing process will provide significant benefits in terms of reducing the cost and increasing the availability of the nanogrids to be used in actual commercial products. Commercializing this technology will create new jobs, will provide the opportunity to train the workforce in using nanotechnology and nanomanufacturing to make real and versatile market products, and it will benefit the environment and the human welfare.
Photocatalysts for Water Remediation This I-Corps project aimed at exploring the commercialization potential of the results of prior NSF-funded research on visible-light activated photocatalysts. These are nanoscale materials based on ceramic metal oxide 3D interconnected structures (called nanogrids) shown in Figure 1. These nanogrids, when activated by solar energy, are able to decompose petroleum-based hydrocarbons (such as benzene and crude oil) in polluted water in-situ, leaving behind bio-friendly compounds, such as water. The I-Corps experience was invaluable in that it helped this team realize an important use of the nanogrids product: turning wastewater into drinkable water. After talking to over 70 business people (entrepreneurs in the water remediation market; dealers and distributors of water remediation products), participating in field studies to eyewitness the challenges associated with the remediation of underground oil spills, and surveying another 30 potential customers, we received valuable feedback and useful testimonials about the need of our product in the targeted market. Using the customer development approach and the business model canvas heuristic we made an impressive progress within a short time that we would have never achieved had we not participated in this "Innovation bootcamp". Our team calculated the cost of in-house manufacturing, came up with a packaging design and pricing model for our technology, produced a revenue model, and made a go decision for our start-up. We found that remediation treatments of petroleum-oil contaminated water almost always leave residual hydrocarbon contamination levels that prevent the disposal of the treated water to the environment. Our product, the photocatalytic nanogrids, can be used to fully remediate hydrocarbons and to produce clean water. Each of our nanogrid mats can hold oil up to 20 times its weight in water and uses sunlight to break down hydrocarbons into eco-friendly products. Finally, thanks to the I-Corps program, our team as able to identify a key customer segment: The Produced Water Market. This is water discharged in off-shore oil-producing areas or as a result of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations. Current energy exploration and extraction in the US creates 15-20 billion barrels of produced water per year. Energy companies pay between $3-$12 to dispose of each barrel of produced water. Treatments to remove most free oil may leave behind mg/L levels of BTEX (abbreviation used for: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes). The allowable limit of these compounds in water is µg/L concentration. Figure 2 shows how our product can reduce benzene concentration in water by 1000 times, effectively turning wastewater into drinkable water. So, our nanogrids may be used as a "new, self-contained, on-site water treatment" option. The current market for treating produced water is expected to exceed $4 billion for the next 5 years. Overall, the I-Corps experience has been a valuable lesson to all of the team members. The PI realized what it takes to translate the results of fundamental research to solving real life problems. The Lead got a clear perspective on how science, engineering and business expertise may work together to create useful products that benefit human welfare. And the Mentor is using the lessons learned to support other start-ups on campus. This project was truly a learning experience and the support of the NSF program manager and the Stanford team of instructors is greatly appreciated and acknowledged here. Disclaimer: This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content
