Carbon-metal nanocomposite air purification system with UVC for chemical, odor, and pathogen removal

Overview

This technology offers a comprehensive air purification solution that combines carbon-metal nanocomposites with UVC light to simultaneously remove harmful chemicals, unpleasant odors, and dangerous pathogens from air. The system is designed for environments requiring high-level air quality control, such as healthcare facilities, industrial workplaces, and public spaces.

The innovation centers on reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/Fe0/TiO2 nanocomposites that capture airborne contaminants and destroy them through photocatalysis and direct photolysis. Pathogens are inactivated through physical contact with the nanomaterials, reactions with reactive oxygen species (ROS), and DNA damage from UVC exposure. A unique regeneration process uses inactivated pathogens as a sacrificial carbon source to restore the nanomaterials, reducing oxidized iron back to its zero-valent state for continued reuse.

Technical specifications

Core technology components:

• rGO/Fe0 nanocomposites for adsorption of organic contaminants including perfluorinated compounds (PFOA and PFOS showed greater than 95% immediate adsorption)
• TiO2 nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of volatile organic compounds
• γFe2O3/TiO2 nanomaterials for pathogen inactivation
• UVC light integration for enhanced photocatalytic activity and direct pathogen DNA damage

Validated performance:

• Complete degradation of 1,4-dioxane, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene within 4 hours using TiO2 under light
• Oxidative and reductive degradation of perfluorinated compounds under UVC light on nanocomposite surfaces
• 3-5 log inactivation of bacteria including Escherichia coli and Enterococci after 1 hour interaction under light
• Effective inactivation of cyanobacteria including Microcystis and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii

Key features:

• Magnetic recovery capability for easy collection and regeneration
• Self-regenerating system using inactivated pathogens as carbon source
• Multi-target treatment addressing chemicals, odors, and biological contaminants simultaneously
• Catalytic filter format suitable for integration into existing air handling systems

Technology readiness level

The core nanomaterials have been separately fabricated and validated in laboratory settings. Proof-of-concept studies have demonstrated effective degradation of representative VOCs and significant pathogen inactivation (3-5 log reduction). The research team has confirmed adsorption and degradation mechanisms for multiple contaminant classes.

Future work focuses on four key development areas: synthesizing and characterizing the integrated magnetic nanohybrids using GO produced by modified Hummer's method; preparing a catalytic filter and complete treatment unit with integrated UVC light; validating performance against real-world air samples using GC/MS analysis for VOCs and fluorescence microscopy for virus-like and bacteria-like particles; and demonstrating the high-temperature regeneration cycle for nanomaterial reuse and sustainability.