1.What is Photocatalytic technology?

• Photocatalyst technology refers to the process of leveraging photocatalysis to resolve and decompose harmful substances with the light energy approaching to the surface coated by photocatalyst such as “the bad smell, tar dirt, bacteria, various germs, a mold bacillus, virus, and the chemical substances cause of sick house syndrome, etc., ”. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the most commonly utilized photocatalysts which has been proven safe for various daily. The nanophotocatalyst revolutionizes the traditional application of photocatalysts as it no longer requires any solvent, binders or alcohol, and is able to initiate the process with visible light. Such technology is able to create a big leap in making use of TiO2 sanitization technology by making it safe for humans and pets in a domestic environment.

2.What is “visible light” in photocatalyst technology?

• Throughout the development of TiO2, it was known to be activated by UV lights only, while it is commonly known that UV rays can cause negative effects on human beings. Our PIAJ recognized technology is an answer to this weakness in TiO2 and UV rays disinfection. The Qivation TiO2 technology is responsive to both UV rays and visible lights and it is highly effective in both indoor and outdoor environments. Our nanophotocatalyst technology is highly effective under the wavelength of 300 to 600 nm which has cover the wavelength of “visible light”.

3.What is "Photocatalyst TiO2"?

• Photocatalysis uses light as a catalyst to initiate a chemical reaction after absorbing the light energy. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the most commonly utilized photocatalysts which has been proven safe for various daily applications.

4.How does Photocatalyst TiO2 work?

• TiO2 provides energy to the titanium dioxide particles after being irradiated with light. The process allows the Oxygen (O2) and water (moisture) in the air to generate O2- (Superoxide anion) and generates ‧OH (hydroxyl radical) respectively. The O2- (Superoxide anion) and ‧OH (hydroxyl radical) ) generated will then create a redox effect in which the tiny organic substances (e.g. bacteria, odor smell, virus, dust) are then converted into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

5.Is the TiO2 visible?

• No, it is not visible by human eyes as the TiO2 is applied at a nano-particle level.

6.Is TiO2 harmful or toxic?

• Our selected nanophotocatalyst technology composed only with water-soluble titanium dioxide and pure water. Thus, the usage is safe in daily proper use of our TiO2 products without a high dose of inhalation or intake of TiO2. Titanium oxide, which is a raw material for photocatalytic products, has a wide range of uses and is used not only as paint, cosmetics and food but also as a food additive. The safety evaluation of photocatalyst certified products has been confirmed for each product according to the rules of the Photocatalyst Industrial Association of Japan, such as acute oral toxicity, primary skin irritation, mutagenicity, and skin sensitization.

7.How can I know if the TiO2 is working 24/7?

• Qivation TiO2 technology provides a 24/7 solution during both day and night. The photocatalyst process allows the TiO2 to activate whenever there is visible light. When there is no light at night, pollutants including bacteria, toxic chemical compounds etc. are absorbed by the products. The photocatalyst process will be initiated when lights are available.

8.Is Qivation technology certified?

• Qivation product has been tested with empirical evidence and results verified by Intertek a renowned Global Quality Assurance Laboratory for the Anti-bacterial performance, it proves can effectively eliminate bacteria up to 91%. For Anti-bacterial activity report, it has conducted under ISO 22196 and JIS Z2801 standard and proves can effectivity eliminate 99% bacteria.

  Qivation products have been tested by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park under the field-emission electronic microscope and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, which proves that the TiO2 can successfully adhere to our different materials and shapes of products. Prove the effectiveness of the photocatalyst application technology developed by Qivation.

  On the other hand, the Nano-Photocatalytic Materials (TiO2) , the recognized technology by PIAJ (Photocatalysis Industry Association of Japan) has been certified with Self Cleaning Effect, Antibacterial Effect, Air Purification Effect by PIAJ. The PIAJ Association is the most authoritative standard for purification materials in Japan. The PIAJ testing standard is in accordance with the JIS standard (Japanese Industrial Standard), which is the highest and recognized standard in Japan. The issuance of a PIAJ certificate must meet the performance standards which are measured and examined through standardized and stringent testing procedures. Some other tested for our chosen the Nano-photocatalyst substances which proved has passed the Acute oral toxicity test conducted by Japan Food Research Laboratory (JFRL) that proves it is non-toxic to humans and pets, safe and reliable. Thus, It can effectively kill 99.9% of the influenza A virus (H1N1) tested by Kitasato Environmental Science Research Center and BOKEN quality assessment has tested and prove it can effectively eliminate up to 98.9% of the odour. Our Q General Coating (TiO2) has achieved California Department of Health Standard CDPH method V1.2 and attained Platinum Recognition  of CIC Green Product Certificate.

9.What is the difference between Qivation products and other UV lights disinfection products?

• Ultraviolet (UV) light should not be directly applied to humans for disinfection purposes. Exposure to UV rays can cause premature aging of the skin and signs of sun damage such as wrinkles. Qivation Lighting Q series is a home use lighting product with our nanophotocatalyst technology which can eliminate pollutants without any potential harm to our skin.

10.What is the difference between Qivation TiO2 and other brands TiO2?

• Qivation TiO2 products carry our nanophotocatalsyt technology, which does not require any solvent, binders or alcohol, and is able to initiate the process with visible light which is easy-to-use and non intrusive to the living environment. It will not cause any exposure to potential skin irritation to human skins such as bleach or alcohol.?Moreover, with our nanophotocatalyst technology, the 5H hardness of our products will be durable and stable, the coating on the product surface is hard to peel off. The majority of our products are using silver ions and TiO2 jointly together to strengthen and initiate the photocatalysis process which absorbs the light energy to eliminate pollutants such as bacteria and viruses.

11.How can Qivation products kill bacteria and viruses?

• The technology can minimize the Organic substances inclusive pollutants (e.g bacteria, odour, unpleasant smell, virus) laying or near Qivation TiO2 Product removing odor and formaldehyde thru a normal air convention then the pollutants absorbed at the surface of Qivation TiO2 Product even with no light, the pollutants shall then decompose by touching on the surface of Qivation TiO2 Product by visible light or sunlight then converting them into clean air, purifying the air of the surrounding. Absorb and decompose pollutants, converting them into clean air 24/7

12.What are the bacteria or viruses that Qivation products can eliminate?

• Qivation TiO2 Products chosen the TiO2 photocatalysis have been shown to be effective against a wide range of microorganisms including commonly seen bacteria and viruses such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli (e coli.), Formaldehyde and A type influenza virus (H1N1).

13.What is the antimicrobial coverage for the Qivation TiO2 Product?

• The Photocatalytic process will be activated as long as the environment with Qivation TiO2 Product together with light and air convection, the antimicrobial performances is better if better air convection, more contact point and closer to the contact point.

14.Can the antimicrobial effect still working for the environment with Qivation TiO2 Product if the Qivation TiO2 Product completely blocked by a cover or object?

• No, because the organic substances outside the cover cannot get thru the cover and complete the decomposition process.

15.Does the organic substances are decomposed on the surface of the Qivation TiO2 Product?

• The organic substances are decomposed to H2O and carbon dioxide as nano size level and decomposed on the surface of the TiO2 then release in the air.

16.Will the sanitizing effect be impacted by different colors of the lighting?

• Color of the light will only have an effect on the duration of decomposition but not the nanophotocatylst process.

17.Does the antimicrobial performances is better if more Qivation TiO2 Product within the environment?

• According to the Performance test result, 2 Qivation TiO2 light bulb within the same environment is better than 1 Qivation TiO2 light bulb, since it is one additional contact point, but the performances are also subject to light and air convection level, without light and inadequate air convection, the chemical reaction cannot perform well even with more contact points and coverage. Per the testing analysis, we recommended to have 2 Qivation Product per 100 sq.ft, for Lighting Q, it should install at 2.5 meter height or less without blocking , so can deliver the expected result.

18.What is the duration of TiO2 Nano Photocatalyst effectiveness?

• According to the information from the Photocatalysis Industry Association of Japan (PIAJ), the titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst itself has a semi-permanent duration and is stable. Our adopted nano photocatalyst substances with a 5H hardness produce a long-term effect with a strong adhesive. The TiO2 photocatalyst effectiveness duration of each our product depends on the maintenance condition, frequently scratches, rub or wipe will lose effectiveness faster, vice versa, the effectiveness last longer, however, it is hard to identify and guarantee the effective period. For general cleaning, we recommended can wipe the product with a wet cloth with water on a regular basis and exposing it to light and sunlight after that, it can last a very long time. Some cases shared by Japan for the outdoor walls apply photocatalyst that the effectiveness can last for many years. Based on our Durability Report, “Accelerated Weather test" under JIS D 0205:1987 Standard which proves that under the conditions of outdoor exposure to weather (without artificial scratching or wiping), the maximum durability of our material/coating can reach 10 years,  8.3% deterioration each year. We can expect the durability of our product to last for at least 12 months or above under normal maintenance conditions , 6 months or above with frequent contact or wiping, and 3 months or above with very frequent contact or wiping.

19.Can TiO2 "photocatalytic material" kill COVID-19 ?

• On 25 Sept 2020, the research group of Tokyo Institute of Technology, Nara Medical University, and Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (KISTEC) announced the world's first new coronavirus (COVID-19) using visible light responsive photocatalytic material (CuxO/TiO2) verified inactivation. By experimentally clarifying the inactivation conditions, the antiviral effect of the photocatalyst was academically indicated. More information from this linkage https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4344/10/9/1093