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Researcher
Siegfried Denys
- Research Expertise:The main research focus is sustainable air purification using either advanced, emerging technologies (photocatalysis) or eco-technological solutions (using microorganisms or vegetation to capture particulate matter in urban environments). We strongly focus on the use of physical models (CFD, Multiphysics) to analyze, design and develop new air purification technologies and strategies. This approach has strengthened both the fundamental research of the group as well as the application driven part of the process line. Fundamental research includes model based characterization and assessment of photocatalytic coatings by a thoughtful correlation of controlled experiments and models (an in house developed new method to determine intrinsic kinetic parameters) and the study of particulate matter (PM) deposition on vegetation. On the application side, we design, develop and assess photocatalysis based reactors based on the fundamental insights and models for airflow, light distribution, mass transfer of pollutants and chemical reaction kinetics. We hereby use photocatalysis as a platform technology that can be introduced in other, combined technologies (for example electrostatic precipitators). Another research field is the development of novel and innovative semi-active photocatalytic systems and solutions suitable for cities. To this end, we also develop urban air quality models to assess the impact of the air purification strategies that we develop. This involves the coupling of air quality models and mesoscale climate models to investigate the impact of innovative mitigation solutions (photocatalysis, eco-technological and other solutions).
- Keywords:AIR POLLUTION, PHOTOCATALYSIS, AIR PARTICULATE MATTER, URBAN POLLUTION, MODELLING, AIR PURIFICATION, Applied biological sciences, biotechnology
- Disciplines:Heterogeneous catalysis, (Bio)chemical reactors, Air pollution and control, Transport phenomena not elsewhere classified, Environmental engineering design, Environmental engineering modelling, Environmental technologies, Sustainable development, Fluid mechanics and fluid dynamics
- Research techniques:Modeling (CFD, Multiphysics), Comsol, OpenFOAM Synthesis of photocatalytic coatings (TiO2) Coating techniques: spin coating, dip coating Characterization of photocatalytic materials (Uv-Vis, FTIR, GC-FID) Analysis of air purification equipment (detection of VOCs) Light intensity measurements, Determining reaction kinetics Reactor design Small wind tunnel Climate chamber 1.2 m^3 Gas phase measurements in automated setup (FTIR, GC-FID, VOC sensors, Dustrak, P-Trak, humidity sensors, Quantum Cascade Laser for N-containing components)
- Users of research expertise:Companies and research institutions with an interest in air purification applications Manufacturers of air-purifying coatings Companies with an interest in functionalizing surfaces (building materials, bitumen, paints, cladding materials, ...) Companies and governments with an interest in air flow characterization Companies and governments with an interest in determining light distribution