Filter purifies air in unique way
UAntwerp researchers develop groundbreaking air purification system with hybrid technology
COVID taught us that the air quality in closed spaces deteriorates quickly. Ventilation systems provide a constant supply of clean air, but this is expensive and bad for the environment. This is why air duct fittings manufacturer Vento and scientists from the University of Antwerp developed a new regenerative air purifier. The device converts harmful gases into water and carbon dioxide.
Good air quality is vital, especially in closed spaces like offices and classrooms. Spending time in a room full of polluted air entails health risks. Healthy air is also essential for our brains to run at full speed. ‘The COVID pandemic was somewhat of a tipping point,’ says Alexander Van Gastel, product developer at UAntwerp. ‘That’s when the importance of a well-ventilated room really hit home.’
“Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate” was the adage at the time. But that approach has its flaws. ‘You “refresh” the dirty air in a room with clean outside air,’ explains Professor of Bioscience Engineering Siegfried Denys. ‘There are several disadvantages to this system. If it’s too warm outside, you have to cool down the incoming air to room temperature. And vice versa in winter. Something like that costs a lot of energy and, by extension, money.’
Hybrid technology
Together with the company Vento, scientists at the Antwerp engineering, photoelectrochemistry and sensing (A-PECS) research group set out to develop an innovative air filtration system. PhD researcher Kobe Schoofs: ‘Our system cleans the polluted air. Harmful substances – those known as “volatile organic compounds” to be exact – are adsorbed onto the filter and subsequently broken down and converted into water and carbon dioxide (CO2), using nothing more than mild UV-A light to regenerate the filter. So, in contrast to ventilation systems, this device does not release polluted air back into the outside air.’
This is made possible by the hybrid technology used to create the air filtration system. ‘The system combines two air purification techniques. Together with Vento, UAntwerp has already developed activated carbon filters and a photocatalytic reactors. This collaboration with Vento has existed for close to ten years. Together with the Department of Product Development, we’ve managed to blend these two technologies. And it’s this combination of air purification and filter regeneration that makes our system so unique,’ says Schoofs.
Safety
Another advantage of the new air purification system is that it’s safer than other models. ‘Competitors’ filters mainly work with a ventilation system and need to be manually replaced,’ says product developer Professor Kristof Vaes. ‘The few products that do purify the indoor air use ionised gases and UV-C light. These two techniques aren’t without danger. For example, UV-C light can be harmful in case of direct contact with your eyes and ionized gases can produce unwanted byproducts. Our filter uses mild chemical reaction conditions to break down the harmful gases into water and CO2.’
The product is not yet on the market, but the inventors did take the precaution of registering their invention. ‘We’ve applied for a patent for our air filter. Once this is approved, it will be time for the next step.’