Overview

Solar Water Works provides a portable, self-powered, self-contained alternative to traditional water treatment technologies. Our innovative technology enables treatment in locations where power is not available or cost prohibitive. It has several applications including: remediation, stormwater disinfection, and providing clean drinking water in developing countries. Additionally, Solar Water Works strives to improve the economic opportunities in Milwaukee through creating educational opportunities for young minds to become interested in STEM. Solar Water Works technology utilizes Photoelectrocatalytic Oxidation (PECO), which is a method of purifying water using UV light. It does this with a low-temperature photocatalyst which is activated by sunlight and DC voltage. A photovoltaic solar panel will provide DC power for the catalyst. Solar PECO uses a conductive metal support anode coated with a thin film of nanoporous titanium dioxide, which is activated by solar ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light excites electrons from the valence band to the conduction band of the semiconducting catalyst. An external electrical bias voltage significantly increases the activity of the catalyst by preventing electron hole recombination. The absence of electrons in the valence band of the catalyst initiates oxidation reactions producing Hydroxyl radicals and chlorine ions. These provide powerful disinfection of microbial contaminants.