Photocatalytic Surfacing Agents with Varying Oxides for Inhibiting Algae Growth

Abstract

Self cleaning mixtures that use photoactive agents with varying oxides, along with mixing the photoactive agents with carbon, noble metals and cobalt phosphide that inhibit the growth of algae are disclosed. The agents include concentrations of approximately at least 5% to approximately 50% TiO.sub.n1, WO.sub.n2, X-WO.sub.n2, or X-TiO.sub.n1, where 1.8.ltoreq.n1.ltoreq.2, and where 2.2.ltoreq.n2.ltoreq.3, and where X can be one of carbon, a noble metal, and cobalt phosphide. The agents can be combined together, and/or each agent can be combined with various coatings such as but not limited to a cement or a polymer binder. The coatings and agents can be applied to surfaces that are exposed to water such as but not limited to an aquarium, liners on the inner walls of swimming pools, drinking water tanks and the like. Further, applications can include using the novel surfacing agent as part of a solar water heater for both a home and a pool, wherein in the latter application the heater i