Plasma-catalytic air purification system for VOC and pathogen removal

Overview

This plasma-catalytic air purification system offers a novel approach to indoor air decontamination by combining dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma sources with mesoporous zeolite catalysts. The technology targets the decomposition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and inactivation of airborne pathogens, aiming to achieve greater than 90% removal efficiency at initial VOC concentrations of approximately 100 ppm.

The system addresses two critical challenges in air purification: effective removal of chemical pollutants and biological contaminants, while simultaneously managing unwanted byproducts such as ozone. By integrating plasma generation with catalytic decomposition, the technology provides a comprehensive solution for commercial, healthcare, and industrial indoor air quality applications.

Technical specifications

Plasma generation:

• Dielectric barrier discharge plasma sources operating at approximately 1 W/cm² power density
• Generation of short-lived radicals and long-lived reactive oxygen and nitrogen species
• Absorption spectroscopy measurements confirm reactive oxygen species concentration of ~0.5% and reactive nitrogen species concentration of ~0.05%

Catalytic component:

• Mesoporous zeolite catalyst integrated downstream of the plasma source
• Catalytic decomposition of odor-causing chemicals
• Reduction of ozone and nitrogen oxide byproducts to meet EPA air quality requirements

Validated performance:

• Greater than 4-log₁₀ CFU reduction of E. coli on contaminated surfaces (published)
• Greater than 2-log₁₀ PFU reduction of human viruses (unpublished)
• Plasma-activated water mist demonstrated up to 2-log₁₀ bacterial reduction on surfaces within 30 seconds
• Hydrogen peroxide generation of 5–10 ppm in activated mist droplets

System design:

• Configured as an add-on component compatible with standard commercial air filtration systems
• Tube-style reactor design with surface-mounted dielectric barrier plasma sources
• Air/water mist mixture injection for enhanced decontamination

Technology readiness level

The technology is currently at a mid-stage development level, with core plasma-catalytic mechanisms validated through laboratory experiments. Published and unpublished results confirm effective pathogen inactivation and reactive species generation. The research team has demonstrated proof-of-concept performance for surface decontamination and is now advancing toward integrated system validation.

Planned next steps include constructing a full-scale plasma/catalytic reactor as an add-on for commercial air filtration units, testing decontamination efficiency using coupon-based contamination measurements in the air outflow, and verifying that output gas composition meets EPA requirements for residual VOCs, ozone, and nitrogen oxides. Collaboration with engineering and biology partners is underway to advance toward commercial readiness.