IP Profile: Lightanate: Photocatalysts for Harnessing Visible Light
Lightanate can make the use of photocatalytic processes in water treatment affordable. Since existing photocatalysts are ultra violet light activated, by being able to use visible light, Lightanate technology has the potential of harnessing up to nine times more available energy than the existing photocatalysts.
Organization: Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials, University of Queensland, Australia
Industry Market: Energy
Technology Contact: F. Haghseresht, UniQuest, Australia
Lightanate is a technology which uses photocatalysts to harness the energy of visible light. It was developed at the Australian Research Council Centre of excellence for Functional Nanomaterials, University of Queensland, Australia.
Photocatalysts speed up chemical reactions when exposed to light. They are recyclable, potentially renewable, non-toxic and versatile. They can be used in a range of applications, including, water treatment and air purification. The uses of photocatalytic processes in these applications are known to deliver significant environmental benefits, without creating harmful by-products.
Lightanate Image, Courtesy of Fouad Haghseresht, UniQuest, Australia
Lightanate can make the use of photocatalytic processes in water treatment affordable. Since existing photocatalysts are ultra violet light activated, by being able to use visible light, Lightanate technology has the potential of harnessing up to nine times more available energy than the existing photocatalysts. As a result, of this advantage, the capital and operational costs of Lightanate-based photocatalytic process are expected to be significantly less than those that use currently available photocatalysts.
Lightanate technology will be licensed to a start-up company of the same name to attract investment for commercialising this technology in water treatment. Last year, Lightanate was a finalist in UQ Business School’s prestigious $100,000 Enterprize business plan competition.
We are currently engaging with industry, seeking regulatory approvals, and subject to finalising an investment deal; we plan to commence manufacturing trials for the Lightanate technology within 12 months.
