Peroxide-Generating Air Purification Element for Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air purification methods, such as HEPA filters, are limited in their ability to completely sterilize air and can become clogged, failing to effectively remove gaseous contaminants.
Innovation Solution
The use of a peroxide-generating air purification element that produces hydrogen peroxide from water vapor and oxygen in the air, activated by a peroxide-activating catalyst, to oxidize and destroy contaminants in the airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filters are used to remove contaminants from air, then some contaminants are removed, but the filters become clogged over time and are only partially effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydrogen peroxide, a strong oxidant, to chemically destroy contaminants in the air. The peroxide-generating structure produces hydrogen peroxide from water vapor and oxygen, which then oxidizes and destroys pathogens, viruses, bacteria, and chemical contaminants. This chemical oxidation approach replaces physical filtration, eliminating clogging issues while maintaining continuous effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system with an electrochemical system. Instead of using physical filters that trap particles, the invention uses electrodes to generate hydrogen peroxide through electrochemical reactions, which then chemically destroys contaminants. This substitution eliminates the mechanical wear and clogging problems inherent in filter-based systems.
2Reliability
If conventional disinfectants are used to disinfect air, then some pathogens are killed, but undesirable substances are introduced into the air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydrogen peroxide as a strong oxidant that destroys pathogens through oxidation without leaving harmful residues. Unlike conventional chemical disinfectants that may leave toxic byproducts, hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen, making it safe for human exposure while maintaining effective disinfection capability against bacteria, viruses, and spores.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts potentially harmful contaminants into harmless substances through oxidation. Pathogens, viruses, and chemical contaminants are oxidized by hydrogen peroxide, transforming them into safe byproducts such as carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic salts. This process eliminates the need to introduce additional harmful substances for disinfection.
3Reliability
If hydrogen peroxide is produced to oxidize contaminants, then effective disinfection is achieved, but the peroxide must be activated to be effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a catalyst as an intermediary substance to activate hydrogen peroxide. The catalyst, typically a metal or metal compound, facilitates the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into highly reactive hydroxyl radicals without being consumed in the process. This intermediary enables the peroxide to become effective at destroying contaminants while keeping the activation mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a self-service approach where the system generates its own activating catalyst through the electrochemical process. The same electrochemical cell that produces hydrogen peroxide also generates catalytic species or activates the peroxide through the applied electric field, eliminating the need for separate activation systems and reducing overall device complexity.
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
This solution effectively oxidizes a wide range of airborne contaminants, including pathogens and chemical agents, while remaining safe for human use, thereby improving air quality in enclosed spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The peroxide-generating structure includes a first electrode separated from a second electrode by an ionically conductive matrix and is configured to produce the peroxide upon application of a voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
The matrix includes a peroxide-activating catalyst that activates the peroxide produced and is positioned to allow the contaminants to contact peroxide activated by the peroxide-activating catalyst
Implementation Method 3
The air purification element is configured to produce a peroxide to oxidize contaminants in air flowing through the airflow passage
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an airflow passage and an air purification element. The airflow passage is configured to confine a flow of air and direct the flow of air toward a space. The air purification element is positioned in the airflow passage and configured to produce a peroxide to oxidize contaminants in air flowing through the airflow passage. The air purification element includes a peroxide-generating structure and a matrix containing a peroxide-activating catalyst configured to activate peroxide produced. The air purification element is configured to produce the peroxide from a water vapor and oxygen in the air within the airflow passage when energized by an energy source, and the matrix is configured to allow the contaminants to contact peroxide activated by the peroxide-activating catalyst.