Graphene Electrostatic Filter for Pathogen Inactivation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrostatic filters and films for pathogen inactivation face challenges such as decreased pathogen capture efficiency over time, especially in high-temperature and humid environments, and require frequent replacement, while also not effectively inactivating pathogens.

Innovation Solution

An electrostatic filter and film using a monolayer graphene layer with a metal foil, where a bias voltage is applied to store electric charges via a tunneling effect, maintaining charges over a large area for extended periods, allowing for reusable and effective pathogen inactivation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrostatic filters are used for pathogen capture, then initial pathogen capture efficiency is achieved, but pathogen capture efficiency decreases over time especially in high-temperature and humid environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen capture efficiencyVSAvoidcharge retention time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from conventional filter materials to graphene, which has superior charge retention properties. By applying bias voltage during metal foil friction, the graphene layer accumulates and maintains electrostatic charges much longer than conventional materials, especially in high-temperature and humid environments, thereby resolving the contradiction between initial efficiency and duration of action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure combining graphene layer, metal foil, and insulating layer. This composite material system leverages the unique properties of each component: graphene for charge retention, metal foil for friction-induced charge generation, and insulating layer for charge storage, achieving both high reliability and extended duration of action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If HEPA filters are used for physical blocking of pathogens, then pathogens are blocked, but the filter does not inactivate pathogens requiring periodic replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen blocking capabilityVSAvoidfilter replacement frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical blocking system of HEPA filters with an electrostatic field-based system using graphene. The electrostatic charges on the graphene surface inactivate pathogens through electrical interaction rather than mechanical trapping, enabling pathogen destruction without requiring frequent filter replacement, thus resolving the contradiction between blocking capability and replacement frequency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the typically harmful effect of static electricity (which can attract dust and degrade performance) into a beneficial inactivation mechanism. The electrostatic charges on graphene directly inactivate pathogens upon contact, transforming what is usually a performance-degrading factor into the primary mechanism for pathogen elimination, reducing replacement needs

Inventive Principle:

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

3Reliability

If conventional filters are used for pathogen removal, then some pathogens are captured, but additional energy is required and pressure drop increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen removal efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The graphene-based electrostatic filter is designed to maintain its electrostatic charges autonomously through the friction-induced charge injection mechanism. The system serves itself by using simple metal foil friction to replenish charges without requiring external power sources or energy input during operation, achieving pathogen removal with minimal energy consumption and no pressure drop penalty

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution maintains 99.99% pathogen inactivation efficiency for an extended period, even in high-temperature and humid conditions, reducing the need for frequent replacements and enhancing safety in areas with high contact points.

Implementation Method 1

a metal foil is placed on an upper surface of the graphene layer, and the metal foil is pressed against the graphene layer under a physical force so as to cause friction therebetween

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

while a bias voltage is applied to the metal foil, such that electric charges are locally stored in an area between the graphene layer and the insulating layer under a tunneling effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTunneling effect:

Data Source

PatentUS20250099977A1Method for manufacturing electrostatic filter and film for pathogen inactivation

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 UI (UNIVERSITY IND FOUNDATION) YONSEI UNIVERSITY

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electrostatic filter and film for pathogen inactivation, and furthermore, to a method for manufacturing the electrostatic filter and film for pathogen inactivation. The present invention relates to an electrostatic filter and film for pathogen inactivation using large-area charge injection into graphene, and using the graphene having improved charge retention ability.