Sulfonated Polymer Air Filter for Microbial Inactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air filter systems lack long-lasting antimicrobial efficacy against pathogens like COVID-19, requiring frequent replacements and inadequate self-sterilizing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An air filter device with a sulfonated polymer layer, specifically composed of perfluorosulfonic acid polymers or other sulfonated polymers, is applied to the filter medium, achieving a thickness of over 1 μm to kill at least 95% of microbes within 30 minutes, providing a self-sterilizing effect lasting up to 90 days.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filter media are used, then basic filtration is achieved, but antimicrobial efficacy is insufficient and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition of the filter media through sulfonation treatment. The filter media is treated with sulfonic acid or sulfonating agents to introduce sulfonate groups, transforming the material properties to achieve long-lasting antimicrobial efficacy without requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite materials by combining sulfonated polymer materials with filter media structures. The sulfonated components are integrated into the filter matrix, forming a composite that provides both filtration and sustained antimicrobial activity over extended periods
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biostat type antimicrobial agents are impregnated into filters, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but the effect is not long-lasting and requires periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through self-sterilizing properties inherent to the sulfonated filter media. The sulfonate groups on the filter material actively kill or inhibit microbes that accumulate on the filter surface during use, enabling the filter to maintain its antimicrobial function without external intervention or periodic replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the filter media by introducing sulfonate functional groups, which provide inherent and durable antimicrobial properties. This chemical modification ensures long-lasting effectiveness against microbial contamination without requiring periodic replacement
3Reliability
If filter thickness is increased to improve filtration, then filtration efficiency increases, but air flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes porous materials with optimized pore structures that allow sufficient air flow while maintaining high filtration efficiency. The sulfonated filter media is designed with controlled porosity to balance particle capture capability with air permeability, preventing excessive flow resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the sulfonated antimicrobial components in specific regions or layers of the filter media where they provide maximum effectiveness. This localized treatment maintains overall filter performance while enabling thin-section designs with high efficiency
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 sulfonated polymer layer effectively kills 95% of microbes within 30 minutes of contact, maintaining antimicrobial efficacy for extended periods, enhancing air filtration systems' ability to combat pathogens like COVID-19.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of surface of the air passages is coated with a sulfonated polymer layer having a thickness of at least >1 μm for killing at least 95% microbes in the air within 30 minutes of contact with the sulfonated polymer
Implementation Method 2
feeding the sulfonated polymer in solution to a multi-nozzle device or a nozzle-free electrospinning with nozzle free device under influence of a high voltage, generating charged jet streams of sulfonated polymer in solution; depositing the charged jet streams of sulfonated polymer in solution onto a filter mat
Data Source
AI summary
An air filter device. The air filter device comprises: a filter medium having an inlet surface for taking in air, and a discharge surface for filtered air. The filter medium having a plurality of air passages for the air to flow therethrough. At least a portion of the inlet surface of the filter medium comprises a sulfonated polymer for killing at least 90% microbes in the air within 120 minutes of contact with the surface of the air passages. The sulfonated polymer is selected from the group of perfluorosulfonic acid polymers, polystyrene sulfonates, sulfonated block copolymers, sulfonated polyolefins, sulfonated polyimides, sulfonated polyamides, sulfonated polyesters, sulfonated polysulfones, sulfonated polyketones, sulfonated poly(arylene ether), and mixtures thereof. The sulfonated polymer has a degree of sulfonation of at least 10%.