Ceramic Photocatalyst Filter for Fine Dust and VOC Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filters for fine dust and volatile organic compounds (VOC) are non-recyclable and require frequent replacement, and separate filters are needed for each application, leading to inefficiencies and additional waste.

Innovation Solution

A ceramic catalyst filter with a single body structure and a photocatalyst thin film coating on its surface, capable of simultaneously removing fine dust and VOC through a porous three-dimensional structure and photocatalytic reaction, which is recyclable via washing or pyrolysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate filters are used for fine dust removal and VOC removal, then each filter can be optimized for its specific function, but the system complexity increases and multiple filters need to be replaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of filters

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines fine dust removal function and VOC removal function into a single ceramic filter body. The ceramic filter simultaneously performs mechanical filtration of fine dust particles and photocatalytic decomposition of VOCs, eliminating the need for separate filters while maintaining high efficiency for both functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ceramic filter is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical filter for fine dust and as a photocatalyst carrier for VOC decomposition. This universal design allows one filter to perform multiple air purification functions that previously required separate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If adsorption-based elimination using activated carbon is used for VOC removal, then VOC removal is achieved, but the filter requires exchange after filtering for a certain period

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVOC removal capabilityVSAvoidfilter service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful VOC substances into beneficial products through photocatalytic decomposition. Instead of merely adsorbing VOCs until saturation, the photocatalyst actively decomposes them into carbon dioxide, water, and other harmless substances, enabling continuous operation without filter replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the passive adsorption mechanism of activated carbon with an active photocatalytic decomposition mechanism. This substitution transforms the filter from a consumable adsorbent system to a regenerable catalytic system that maintains functionality through continuous decomposition of accumulated contaminants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If a ceramic carrier filter is used for fine dust removal, then the filter is recyclable through pyrolysis, but it cannot remove VOCs simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter recyclabilityVSAvoidmulti-pollutant removal capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure combining the ceramic filter body with a photocatalyst coating. The ceramic substrate provides mechanical strength and heat resistance for pyrolysis recycling, while the photocatalyst layer enables VOC decomposition. This composite design integrates the advantages of both materials to achieve simultaneous fine dust removal, VOC removal, and recyclability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The ceramic catalyst filter effectively and efficiently removes fine dust and VOC, with a recyclable design that reduces waste and maintenance costs, while maintaining high filtration efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a photocatalyst thin film comprising nanometer-scale grains coated on a surface of the ceramic filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotocatalytic reaction: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 2

a single body ceramic filter comprising a first surface for blocking a first material and a second surface for removing a second material passing through the first surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

This DPF filter is utilized as a soot filter and is recyclable based on pyrolysis at a high temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPyrolysis: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS12569830B2Ceramic catalytic filter, filtering system including the same, and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A ceramic catalyst filter, a filtering system including the same, and a method of manufacturing the same. The ceramic catalyst filter includes: a single body ceramic filter including a first surface for blocking a first material and a second surface for removing the second material passing through the first surface; and a photocatalyst thin film including nanometer-scale grains coated on a surface of the ceramic filter.