Development of a Photocatalytic Filter to Control Indoor Air Quality. Issue 4 (2nd October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Del Curto, Barbara; Tarsini, Paolo; Cigada, Alberto
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied biomaterials & functional materials. Volume 14:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 496
• Page End: 501
• Publication Date: 2016-10-02
• Subjects: Bacteria -- Filters -- Photocatalysis -- Titanium oxide -- Total solid particulate -- Volatile organic compounds; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; Bioengineering -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.5301/jabfm.5000336
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2280-8000

Abstract

Background: The aim of this work was the development and characterization of a photocatalytic filter for the treatment of indoor air, characterized by a low pressure drop. Methods: The filter (photocatalytic filter) was based on a polyester substrate additivated with active carbon (Carbotex 150-6), treated with a sol of titanium dioxide (Sol 121-AB; NextMaterials Ltd.) and illuminated with UV LEDs to induce photocatalytic activity. Results: Tests showed that this filter, used in a suitable device for air circulation with a very low noise level, had the ability to block solid particulates, to photocatalytically oxidize a major fraction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and deactivate all of the bacteria blocked on the filter, in contrast to traditional commercial air filters on which the bacteria remain viable. Conclusions: Activated charcoal filters treated with TiO2 and illuminated by UV LEDs were found to be extremely effective in killing bacteria and effective in decreasing VOC and total suspended particulates (TSP).