Excimer lamps for chemical modification of liquids and photochemical processes
UV technology for reaction-controlled applications in research, water treatment, and synthesis
Excimer lamps have established themselves as highly precise light sources for applications requiring targeted photoreactions – particularly in the chemical modification of liquids, chemical-free water and wastewater treatment, and UV-assisted process and synthesis research. With their narrow spectral emission, high photon energy, and cold radiation, they offer possibilities that are unattainable with classical thermal or chemical methods.
Chemical modification of liquids through targeted photoreactions
Excimer lamps emit monochromatic or narrowband UV or VUV radiation (typically: 172 nm, 222 nm, 308 nm) that is intense enough to selectively cleave or activate molecular bonds. This is particularly useful in the modification of liquids:
- Oxidation/Reduction: UV photons generate highly reactive species (e.g., OH• radicals, singlet oxygen) that enable targeted chemical changes in solution.
- Catalog-Free Reactions: Targeted photolysis opens up reaction pathways that function without metallic or organic catalysts.
- Wavelength Control: By selecting the excimer combination (e.g., Xe, KrCl), the energy input can be precisely tailored to the target molecules.
Such applications are ideal for sensitive media such as pharmaceutical solutions, biochemical reagents, or fine chemical process fluids.
Water and Wastewater Treatment without Additional Chemicals
UV-based excimer emitters enable a Chemical-free water treatment, as it combats microbial pathogens and organic contaminants solely through photon energy and photolysis:
- Inactivation of microorganisms: VUV radiation (e.g., 172 nm) destroys the DNA/RNA of bacteria, viruses, and spores – without biocides.
- Decomposition of organic pollutants: Hormones, drug residues, and dyes can be broken down through the formation of hydroxyl radicals.
- No byproducts:Unlike ozone, chlorine, or peroxide, no harmful or persistent degradation products are formed.
This technology is suitable for drinking water, industrial wastewater, laboratory rinsing water, or even for ultrapure water systems, for example, in electronics or semiconductor manufacturing.
Research and Development UV-Assisted Syntheses and Processes
Excimer lamps are playing an increasingly important role in photochemistry research – both in fundamental academic work and in industrial development environments:
- Modeling of photoreactions: Clear, defined emission lines allow for a precise analysis of reaction mechanisms.
- Development of photocatalytic processes: Combining excimer radiation with photocatalysts (e.g., TiO₂) for hydrogen production, CO₂ reduction, or air purification.
- Reactor development: Excimer light sources can be integrated into batch or flow reactors with precise radiation dose – ideal for reliable scaling.
Thanks to the cool radiation temperature, even temperature-sensitive substances and biological molecules can be investigated or be processed.
Conclusion: Excimer Lamps – A Precision Tool for Photochemical Applications in Liquids
Excimer lamps offer unique advantages for applications where light is used as a reaction tool. Their high photon energy, narrow wavelength selection, and chemical-free operation make them a key technology in modern photochemistry, UV water treatment, and process development. Radium TECH offers customized excimer solutions – tailored to wavelength, geometry, and process requirements.
Are you planning photochemical processes or looking for an excimer solution for your laboratory or production facility?
Our experts at the Radium TECH Application Center will be happy to advise you – individually, solution-oriented, and with close ties to the manufacturer.