CNT Filter Media with Precipitated Metal Phase for Pathogen Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filter systems are inadequate in efficiently capturing and detecting pathogens, such as viruses, in gas streams due to detachment of nanoparticle catalysts and health safety risks associated with their use, and lack effective methods for real-time detection and mitigation in enclosed environments like aircraft cabins or buildings.
Innovation Solution
A filter system comprising a metal substrate with a precipitated phase and integral carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown on a catalytic metal alloy, allowing for efficient capture and detection of pathogens, with a sensor system using Raman spectrometry for real-time detection and a heating mechanism to destroy captured particles without detaching CNTs, reducing health and safety risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nanoparticle catalysts are used to grow CNTs on filter substrates, then CNT growth is achieved, but the catalysts detach during heating and create health safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the nanoparticle catalyst from the system by using a precipitated metal phase instead. The metal substrate is heated to precipitate a metal phase that serves as the catalyst for CNT growth, eliminating the need for separate nanoparticle catalysts that would detach and create health risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where CNTs are grown on a precipitated metal phase that is integrated into the metal substrate. This composite approach ensures the catalyst remains firmly attached to the substrate during heating, preventing detachment while maintaining catalytic functionality.
2Reliability
If the filter is heated to destroy captured pathogens, then pathogen elimination is achieved, but CNT detachment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the problematic nanoparticle catalyst component and replaces it with a precipitated metal phase that is an integral part of the substrate structure. This allows the filter to be heated for pathogen destruction without causing CNT detachment, as the catalyst is no longer a separate detachable component.
3Reliability
If conventional filters are used to capture particles, then particle removal is achieved, but real-time detection capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the particle capture function with real-time detection capability by integrating a sensor system with the filter. The sensor detects pathogens captured by the CNT-filter, providing immediate information about air quality and pathogen presence in the environment.
4Quantity of substance
If nanoparticle catalysts are used for CNT growth, then CNT production is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies manufacturing by removing the need to handle and apply nanoparticle catalysts. Instead, the metal substrate itself is heated to precipitate the metal phase that serves as the catalyst, eliminating a complex step in the manufacturing process.
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 system effectively captures and detects pathogens in gas streams, providing real-time monitoring and mitigation capabilities, ensuring safer air quality in enclosed spaces by reducing the risk of pathogen transmission and maintaining CNT adhesion during heating.
Implementation Method 1
heating a metal substrate to precipitate a first phase on a surface of the metal substrate from a metal alloy
Implementation Method 2
growing a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the surface of the first metal of the first phase, wherein the CNTs are configured to capture at least one particle
Implementation Method 3
a sensor system using Raman spectrometry for real-time detection
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a method of making a filter includes heating a metal substrate to precipitate a first phase on a surface of the metal substrate from a metal alloy, the metal substrate defining a plurality of apertures configured to allow a gas to pass through the apertures. The metal substrate is the metal alloy including a first metal and a second metal. The method further includes growing a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the surface of the first metal of the first phase, and the CNTs are configured to capture at least one particle.