Graphitic antiviral filtration element and filtration devices containing same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air and liquid filtration technologies, particularly face masks, are inadequate in effectively removing and neutralizing harmful viruses and microorganisms, especially in the context of emerging threats like COVID-19, and there is a need for improved filtration materials that enhance virus removal and neutralization.
Innovation Solution
A filtration member comprising a layer of air-permeable membrane with chemically functionalized graphite flakes containing non-carbon elements like O, N, H, F, Cl, Br, or I, optionally bonded with an adhesive, and optionally embedded with anti-microbial compounds, which can be integrated into filtration devices such as face masks, water purifiers, and air purifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fibrous or particulate substrate filters are used, then basic filtration is provided, but virus removal and neutralization effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining chemically functionalized graphite flakes with an air-permeable membrane substrate. The graphite flakes are chemically functionalized with non-carbon elements (O, N, H, F, Cl, Br, or I) to create a composite filter material that integrates both filtration and antiviral properties in a single structure, thereby improving virus removal effectiveness without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition of graphite flakes through functionalization with non-carbon elements. By controlling the weight percentage of non-carbon elements (1%-50%) and the specific chemical functional groups present, the filter material's antiviral activity is enhanced while maintaining structural integrity and air permeability.
2Reliability
If filter materials with higher virus capture capability are used, then virus removal effectiveness improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-functionalizing graphite flakes with non-carbon elements before incorporating them into the filter membrane. This pre-treatment step creates antiviral-active graphite flakes that can be directly integrated into standard membrane manufacturing processes, thereby achieving enhanced virus capture capability without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing workflow.
3Reliability
If chemically functionalized graphite flakes are deposited on membrane surfaces, then antiviral activity is enhanced, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antiviral function with the structural filtration function by depositing chemically functionalized graphite flakes directly onto the air-permeable membrane surface. This integration combines two separate functions (filtration and antiviral activity) into a single composite structure, thereby enhancing antiviral activity while minimizing increases in manufacturing process complexity through a unified deposition 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 filtration member achieves enhanced removal and neutralization of viruses and microorganisms, providing improved protection against pathogens like colds, influenza, SARS, bird flu, and coronavirus, while also being applicable for water purification and solvent separation.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of chemically functionalized graphite flakes deposited on at least one of the two primary surfaces or embedded in the layer of air-permeable membrane, wherein the graphite flakes comprise a chemical functional group containing 1%-50% (preferably 5% to 35%) by weight of a non-carbon element selected from O, N, H, F, Cl, Br, I, or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 2
This compound captures and/or neutralizes virus and/or other micro-organisms of concern
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is filtration member for use in a filtration device, said filtration member comprising a layer of woven or nonwoven fabric having two primary surfaces and a layer of chemically functionalized graphite flakes deposited on at least one of the two primary surfaces or embedded in the layer of woven or nonwoven fabric, wherein said graphite flakes comprise chemical function contain 1%-50% by weight of a non-carbon element selected from O, N, H, F, Cl, Br, I, or a combination thereof. Also provided is a face mask comprising: (a) a mask body configured to cover at least wearer's mouth and nose; and (b) a fastener to hold the mask in place on the wearer's face; wherein the mask body includes (i) an air-permeable outer layer, (ii) an inner layer located on a wearer's side when the mask is worn, and (iii) the filtration member comprising graphite flakes.