Functionalized Cellulose Filter for Aromatic Species

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods are inadequate for effectively reducing the concentration of aromatic species, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, in vapor samples, particularly in cigarette smoke, which poses health risks due to their toxicity and carcinogenic nature.

Innovation Solution

A filter material comprising a cellulose-based polymer with aromatic binding sites, specifically designed to selectively interact with aromatic species, is used to reduce their concentration in vapor samples by binding them through covalent, ionic, or Van der Waals interactions, thereby acting as a selective absorbent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If classical adsorption using polyaryl silicone is used to separate aromatic hydrocarbons, then aromatic species can be removed from liquids and gases, but the method lacks selectivity and effectiveness for vapor phase aromatic species reduction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearomatic species concentrationVSAvoidselectivity of removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces aromatic binding sites with specific local chemical properties (electron-deficient aromatic groups) into the cellulose polymer structure. These localized binding sites provide selective interaction with electron-rich aromatic species through pi-pi stacking and charge transfer complexation, resolving the contradiction between removal effectiveness and selectivity by creating specific chemical environments within the filter material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material by functionalizing cellulose-based polymers with aromatic binding sites. This composite structure combines the advantages of cellulose (biodegradability, structural integrity) with the selective aromatic binding capability of functional groups, achieving both effective removal and high selectivity for vapor phase aromatic species that classical adsorption methods cannot accomplish.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-selective adsorption is used to reduce aromatic species, then some aromatic compounds can be removed, but the method cannot effectively target specific carcinogenic species like benzene and toluene

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarcinogenic aromatic speciesVSAvoidselectivity for specific aromatic compounds
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the filter material by introducing electron-deficient aromatic groups with specific electronic properties. These parameter changes enable the material to selectively interact with electron-rich aromatic species through pi-pi stacking and charge transfer complexation, achieving high selectivity for specific carcinogenic compounds like benzene and toluene rather than non-selective adsorption of all aromatic species.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional filtration methods are used for cigarette smoke, then particulate matter can be filtered, but aromatic species in the vapor phase remain unaddressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearomatic species in vapor phaseVSAvoidcapability to handle vapor phase species
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the functional parameters of the filter material from physical filtration (for particles) to chemical interaction (for vapor phase species). By incorporating aromatic binding sites capable of pi-pi stacking and charge transfer complexation, the material gains the ability to interact with and remove aromatic species in the vapor phase, expanding its adaptability beyond traditional particulate filtration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a composite filter material that combines cellulose-based polymer matrix with aromatic binding site functional groups. This composite structure provides both the mechanical properties needed for filtration and the chemical functionality required for vapor phase aromatic species removal, making the filter versatile enough to handle both particulate matter and gaseous aromatic compounds simultaneously.

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 filter material significantly reduces the concentration of aromatic species in vapor samples, demonstrating high sensitivity and selectivity, with the cellulose-based polymer effectively trapping harmful compounds like benzene and toluene, thereby improving air quality and health safety.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one aromatic binding site selectively interact with the aromatic species

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

binding them through covalent, ionic, or Van der Waals interactions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVan der Waals interaction: Van der Waals Force

Data Source

PatentEP3041597B1Filter materials including functionalized cellulose
Publication Date: 2022.11.02 MASSACHUSETTS INST OF TECH
  • EP3041597B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3041597B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP3041597B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)

AI summary

Embodiments described herein provide materials and methods for the absorption or filtration of various species and analytes. In some cases, the materials may be used to remove or reduce the amount of a substance in vapor sample (e.g., cigarette smoke).