Air filter and purification device including the same

The filter is divided into multiple functional layers: a pre-filter layer for capturing large particles, an electrostatic adsorption layer for capturing fine particles through electrostatic forces, and a photocatalytic decomposition layer for decomposing harmful gases and microorganisms. Each layer performs a specific purification function, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive air purification while maintaining manageable structural complexity through functional segmentation.

The filter employs composite material construction by combining different materials with distinct properties in each layer. The pre-filter uses fibrous materials, the electrostatic layer uses materials with electrostatic charge properties, and the photocatalytic layer uses materials like titanium dioxide that exhibit photocatalytic activity under UV light. This composite structure enables the filter to simultaneously address multiple types of contaminants through the synergistic effects of different materials.

The photocatalytic decomposition layer enables the recovery and regeneration of filtering capacity by continuously decomposing adsorbed pollutants into harmless substances under UV light irradiation. This transforms the traditional linear process of adsorption-saturation-disposal into a cyclic process where contaminants are continuously degraded, allowing the filter to maintain its purification capability over extended periods without frequent replacement or intensive maintenance.

The photocatalytic layer provides continuous decomposition of harmful gases and microorganisms through the photocatalytic reaction that occurs whenever UV light is present. This continuous action prevents pollutant saturation by constantly breaking down adsorbed contaminants, ensuring the filter maintains its purification efficiency throughout extended operation periods and reducing the frequency of maintenance interventions.

The filter assembly is segmented into three distinct functional layers, each targeting specific types of contaminants: the pre-filter for large particles, the electrostatic adsorption layer for fine particles, and the photocatalytic decomposition layer for harmful gases and microorganisms. This segmentation allows the system to handle a broad spectrum of contaminants while keeping each layer's structure relatively simple and well-defined, avoiding the complexity that would arise from a monolithic multi-functional design.

The photocatalytic decomposition layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it decomposes harmful gases through photocatalytic oxidation, inactivates microorganisms through UV irradiation and catalytic action, and can regenerate the filtering capacity of previous layers by breaking down adsorbed contaminants. This multi-functionality in a single layer reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while expanding contaminant removal capabilities.