Glass Fiber Filter Element for Visible Light Photocatalysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current air filter elements for air purifiers lack the capacity and efficiency to effectively capture suspended particles and degrade odor molecules and volatile organic compounds under visible light conditions, requiring additional adsorbent or catalytic materials that increase weight and volume.
Innovation Solution
A glass fiber filter element incorporating 4-7 wt% nanoparticles (zinc oxide, graphene oxide, titanium oxide) and 2-7 wt% silver nanowires, integrated with a glass fiber mat of varying diameters and an adhesive system, forming a three-dimensional network structure for enhanced air filtration and photocatalytic degradation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If additional adsorbent or catalytic materials are added to enhance air purification capacity, then degradation efficiency of odor molecules and volatile organic compounds is improved, but weight and volume of the filter element increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter of catalytic materials to the nanoscale range (1-200 nm), which dramatically increases the specific surface area and catalytic activity per unit weight. This allows achieving high degradation efficiency with minimal material loading (4-7 wt%), thereby avoiding excessive weight increase while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by integrating nanoparticles and silver nanowires onto the glass fiber mat matrix. This composite approach synergistically combines the filtration capability of glass fibers with the photocatalytic degradation capability of nanoparticles, achieving both high purification efficiency and lightweight design
2Productivity
If additional adsorbent or catalytic materials are added to enhance air purification capacity, then degradation efficiency of odor molecules and volatile organic compounds is improved, but volume of the filter element increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the dimensional parameter of catalytic materials to nanoscale (1-200 nm), the patent achieves extremely high surface area to volume ratio. This allows the materials to be dispersed as thin coatings on the glass fiber mat rather than requiring thick bulk layers, thereby achieving high degradation efficiency without significant volume increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous three-dimensional network structure of the glass fiber mat to accommodate nanoparticles and silver nanowires within its void spaces. This allows the catalytic materials to be integrated into the existing volume without requiring additional external space, maintaining compact filter element design while enhancing degradation efficiency
3Productivity
If glass fibers with smaller diameters are used to increase filtration efficiency, then capture of suspended particles is improved, but mechanical strength of the filter element decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using glass fibers with different diameters (0.15 to 3.5 μm) in different regions or combinations within the mat structure. Smaller diameter fibers provide high filtration efficiency in terms of particle capture, while larger diameter fibers contribute to mechanical strength. The adhesive system (3-12 wt %) also provides local reinforcement at fiber intersection points, compensating for the reduced strength of fine fibers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining glass fibers of varying diameters with nanoparticles and silver nanowires. The multi-component composite design allows smaller glass fibers to be supported by the network of larger fibers and reinforced by the adhesive system, achieving both high filtration efficiency and adequate mechanical strength through synergistic material combinations
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 glass fiber filter element achieves high filtration efficiency and degradation of odor molecules and volatile organic compounds under visible light, reducing the need for additional materials and enhancing air purification performance while maintaining mechanical stability.
Implementation Method 1
a glass fiber filter element for visible light photocatalysis and air purification
Implementation Method 2
an air filter element is used to capture suspended particles in the air through a network structure interlacing glass fibers or polymer fibers together
Implementation Method 3
an adhesive system, and 78 to 91 wt % of a glass fiber mat
Data Source
AI summary
A glass fiber filter element for visible light photocatalysis and air purification and a method for preparing the same. The glass fiber filter element includes 4 to 7 wt % of nanoparticles including at least one selected from zinc oxide, graphene oxide, titanium oxide, and reduced graphene oxide, 2 to 7 wt % of silver nanowires, 3 to 12 wt % of an adhesive system, and 78 to 91 wt % of a glass fiber mat, based on the total weight of the glass fiber filter element. The glass fiber mat is made of at least two glass fibers with different diameters, and the diameters are in a range of 0.15 to 3.5 μm. The nanoparticles have a particle size from 1 to 200 nm, and the silver nanowires have a diameter of 15 to 50 nm.