Method and apparatus for photosensitized ultraviolet decontamination of surfaces and aerosol clouds

1. A method of decontaminating a contaminated surface, the method comprising: spraying an electrically charged photosensitizer having aerosol droplets greater than 50 μm in diameter projected in a stream towards the contaminated surface to coat and wet the contaminated surface; illuminating the sprayed surface with light to cause chemical reactions to decontaminate the surface.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the photosensitizer is a solution, and the step of spraying the photosensitizer onto the contaminated surface comprises electrically charging at least one component of the solution.

3. The method according to claim 1 further comprising controlling the temperature of the sprayed photosensitizer to enhance the formation rate, mobility, or the decontaminating activity of the photo-products and their ensuing reactions.

4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the photosensitizer includes hydrogen peroxide.

5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of illuminating the sprayed surface is done with a continuous beam.

6. The method according to claim 5 wherein the step of illuminating the sprayed surface is done with light having a wave length between about 200 nm and about 320 nm.

7. The method according to claim 1 wherein the photosensitizer includes a surfactant.

8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the light includes light of wavelengths between about 200 nm and about 320 nm.

9. The method according to claim 1 wherein the photosensitizer includes solid or liquid carrier particles.

10. The method according to claim 1 wherein spraying an electrically charged photosensitizer further comprises spraying an electrically charged photosensitizer using a portable, field-deployable sprayer.

11. The method according to claim 10 wherein said light is UV light.