The Nanotechnology and Integrated BioEngineering Centre
Photocatalysis Materials focuses on semiconductor photocatalysis (Byrne-Eggins) via UV or solar activated metal oxides for water purification (e.g. solar disinfection of water in developing countries £143K-Byrne-Sodiswater-CEC-FP-6-INCO-DEV), solar energy conversion and surface sterilisation e.g. medical devices. Photocatalyst preparation routes include sol gel, plasma and, more recently, electrochemical anodisation for self organised titania nanotubes.

Material quality is characterised by measurement of physico-chemical properties and correlated to photocatalytic efficiency for specific applications e.g. degradation of organic pollutants in water (£237K-CEC-FP5-Env.-PEBCAT) or for water splitting (£109K-CEC-FP5-COCON). Recent projects include the decontamination of prion material from surgical instruments (£133K-McLaughlin-Byrne-Department of Health 0070090) and inactivation of pathogenic biofilms (£119K-Byrne-HPSSNI-R&D-Office-RES/2452/03-HRB). The group’s fundamental and applied research is also channelled into commercialisation with two RDA-funded completed proof-of-concept projects. International links have been developed with e.g. Solar de Plataforma, Spain; University Joseph Fourier, France; EAWAG Switzerland; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; Government organisations and NGOs in Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa; Groningen University Netherlands; Ben Gurion University Israel; Havana University, Cuba (Byrne-Dixon-Royal Society-2005/R2).