About LightActive™

LightActive™ is a composite matrix material containing only chemical elements (titanium, silicon, zinc, and oxygen) which uses the energy of visible and UV light to split molecules of water vapor in ordinary air into compounds called reactive oxygen species (ROS) that react with and degrade organic molecules. This well-known process of transforming light and water into ROS is called photocatalysis.

The LightActive Intelligent Surface™ is composed of mineral oxides, and it does not get used up in the process of transforming light energy and water into ROS. Also, ROS do not penetrate skin, do not leach, and exist only long enough to act on organic compounds that come into contact with the surface.

Photocatalytic water-splitting has been known for many years. Titanium dioxide-based coatings are manufactured onto many types of commercial window glass for its self-cleaning properties. However, LightActive™ contains innovations that allow it to work using visible light rather than just the UV light required by other photocatalytic materials. This use of visible light energy allows LightActive™ to work indoors, and also makes it more effective than conventional photocatalysts outdoors because it utilizes both UV and visible light energy. Importantly, LightActive™ is engineered so it can be applied to most existing surfaces, both indoors and out.

What It Can Do

LightActive™ surfaces interact with their environment to enhance cleanliness. These Intelligent Surfaces™ reduce organic surface contamination and will reduce many air pollutants as well. While continuously destroying contaminants, an illuminated LightActive™ surface also interacts with and responds to water and sheets it off, releasing both organic and inorganic materials on its surface. The inherent nature of the film is also a highly effective UV absorber, protecting surfaces from degradation. As a thin film oxide coating, additional corrosion protection is given to many metals, lengthening service life.

How Is LightActive™ Different?

A LightActive™ coating is composed only of carefully prepared but common mineral oxide crystals that exhibit the remarkable property of photocatalysis. Not only is the Smart Film™ durable, but the photocatalytic activity is continuous; it requires no require human intervention beyond maintaining ordinary illumination: special lamps are not needed.

The distinctive mechanism underpinning the photocatalytic effect is well understood, very general, surface-localized, and non-contaminating. Also, LightActive™ is engineered so that application to the target surface maximizes Real World performance.

Mechanism of Organic and VOC Reduction

LightActive™ catalyzes the production of ROS from water vapor when illuminated by light with wavelengths of less than about 500 nm (blue visible light through UV), as described above. These extremely potent but short-lived ROS decompose organic compounds by participating in a series of chemical reactions leading to water, trace elements and carbon dioxide.

Hydrophilic Self Cleaning

Harnessing the power of light and water, LightActive™ surfaces clean more easily because the photocatalysis physically attracts water molecules to its surface. Instead of forming droplets, water sheets, spreading to form a thin water film under dirt and oils, displacing them. This remarkable and visible hydrophilic effect removes dirt and grime more easily with a simple rain or water wash, reducing the need for harsh cleansers indoors and decreasing the frequency of costly exterior building surface cleaning. LightActive™ not only reduces organic contamination by photooxidation, but also makes the surface self-cleaning, easing removal of inorganic dirt as well. Reducing the use of detergents for cleaning is ecofriendly and economical. Durable LightActive™ works constantly to provide a more attractive and hygienic environment.

LightActive™ as an UV Protectant

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide is used in many premium cosmetic sunscreens to protect skin from the burning rays of UV light in sunlight. Similar materials are used in LightActive™ coatings and the same chemistry of UV protection is at work on treated surfaces. Coatings of LightActive™ act as an efficient UV attenuator.

LightActive™ as a Corrosion Reducer

LightActive™ applied to metal surfaces creates a ‘passivation’ layer which protects the metal from corrosion and actually enhances the strength of the substrate itself. The formation of a thin oxide layer on metals can retard, but not stop, corrosion. For greatest effect, heat curing of the coated surface will decrease voids and pores to more effectively protect a metal surface.