Photocatalytic Air Filtration in HVAC Systems
Modern HVAC systems must handle an increasingly complex mix of indoor air pollutants, from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to microbial contaminants. Traditional filtration methods struggle to eliminate molecular-level pollutants, while photocatalytic oxidation can achieve removal efficiencies above 90% for many VOCs when properly implemented with sufficient catalyst surface area and light exposure time.
The fundamental challenge lies in balancing photocatalytic reaction efficiency with practical constraints of airflow resistance, light distribution, and catalyst durability in real HVAC installations.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including multi-layered photocatalytic architectures, dual-light-activated catalyst systems, nanotube-structured transition metal oxides, and integrated particle-photocatalytic-carbon filter arrangements. These and other approaches focus on optimizing both pollutant removal effectiveness and system integration within existing HVAC infrastructure.
1. Integrated Photocatalytic and Adsorptive Air Filtration System with Agitated Reactor and Sequential Filtering
ENTEGRIS INC, 2024
Air filtration system for semiconductor manufacturing that integrates photocatalytic decomposition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with passive adsorption. The system comprises a photocatalytic reactor where VOCs are decomposed by irradiating a photocatalyst composition, followed by a first filter that removes inert compounds from the air stream. The photocatalyst reactor and first filter are arranged in a single housing, with the photocatalyst reactor agitated to enhance decomposition efficiency. The filtered air then passes through a second filter that removes the VOC-generated products, and finally passes through the photocatalyst reactor again to complete the air purification process.
2. Foldable Air Filter Device with Multi-Layered Photocatalytic Architecture and Dual-Sided Light Sources
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD, 2024
Air filter and purifying device that combines advanced photocatalytic technology with a compact, foldable design. The device features a multi-layered filter architecture with both UV and visible light sources, where the UV light source is positioned at one side of the filter and the visible light source is positioned at the other. The filter layers are arranged in a specific pattern to maximize photocatalytic activity while maintaining airflow. The device can be integrated into various applications such as air purifiers, water purifiers, refrigerators, and washing machines, providing comprehensive air and water purification capabilities.
3. Air Purification Device with Folded Filter Assembly and Dual-Light-Activated Photocatalytic Layers
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD, 2024
Air purification device with integrated UV and photocatalytic components for enhanced air cleanliness. The device comprises a folded filter assembly with a static electricity-enhanced filter layer and a photocatalytic filter layer containing titanium dioxide, tungsten oxide, or zinc oxide photocatalysts. The device incorporates a UV light source and visible light source for simultaneous illumination of the photocatalysts. The photocatalysts are positioned in separate regions of the filter layer, with the UV light source positioned on one side and the visible light source on the other. This configuration enables optimal photocatalytic activity while maintaining air flow through the device.
4. Air Purification Device with Dual-Surface Photocatalyst Configuration and Combined Electrostatic Adsorption
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD, 2024
Air purification device that combines electrostatic adsorption with photocatalytic oxidation to achieve enhanced air purification. The device comprises an air filter with two distinct photocatalytic regions: one with titanium dioxide (TiO2) for hydrophobic contaminants and another with copper-based photocatalysts for hydrophilic contaminants. The TiO2 photocatalyst layer is positioned on one surface of the filter, while the copper-based photocatalysts are positioned on the other surface. The device incorporates a UV light source module that can operate in conjunction with a visible light source module. The device provides improved air purification performance by leveraging both electrostatic adsorption and photocatalytic oxidation mechanisms.
5. Filter Module with Integrated Photocatalytic and Dust Collection Layers in Tubular Configuration
LEE JUNG MIN, 2024
A filter module for air purifiers that combines multiple air purification functions in a single housing. The module comprises a hollow tube-shaped filter with a photocatalytic layer that enables air purification through UV light activation, and a dust collection filter with a titanium oxide layer that captures airborne particles. The module is mounted within the air purifier's housing, with the photocatalytic filter positioned at the top and the dust collection filter at the bottom. The module's unique design allows the photocatalytic filter to be fixedly supported by the dust collection filter, while maintaining optimal airflow through the hollow tube structure.
6. Air Treatment Device with Photocatalytic Filter and Integrated Light Source for Sterilization
DAEWOO COMPRESSOR CO LTD, 주식회사 대우컴프레셔, 2023
Air treatment device that improves air purification efficiency by killing bacteria and viruses remaining in the filter. The device includes a frame having an inlet for air to flow in and an outlet for the air to be discharged; an air processing unit disposed inside the frame and configured to process air introduced through the inlet; and a sterilizing unit that sterilizes air introduced through the inlet, wherein the sterilizing unit includes a photocatalytic filter, a light source unit capable of irradiating light to the photocatalyst filter, and a sterilization unit that sterilizes air introduced through the inlet.
7. Photocatalytic Air Purifier with Nanotube-Structured Transition Metal Oxide Plates
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD, 삼성전자주식회사, 2023
Photocatalytic air purifier with enhanced light efficiency using nanotube-structured transition metal oxides. The device comprises a photocatalytic filter with multiple nanotube-plate arrangements, where each plate features a nanotube structure with a hollow space through which air can pass. The plates are arranged in a specific pattern to optimize light absorption and air flow. The photocatalytic filter can be integrated into a compact air conditioner, featuring a space between the plates for air circulation. The nanotube structure enables superior light absorption and surface area for photocatalytic reactions, while the hollow spaces enhance airflow.
8. Flat Folded Support with Dual-Sided Photocatalytic Coating for Air Cleaning in Vehicle Air Conditioning Systems
MAHLE INTERNATIONAL GMBH, 2023
Air cleaning device for motor vehicle air conditioning systems that addresses traditional limitations of photocatalytic air filters. The device employs a flat, folded support with integrated photocatalytic coating on both sides, ensuring consistent exposure to pollutants and odors. This design enables superior removal of gases and odors compared to traditional photocatalytic filters, particularly in environments with high pollutant concentrations like motor vehicle interiors.
9. Three-Stage Vehicle Air Conditioning Filter System with Sequential Particle, Photocatalytic, and Activated Carbon Filters
MAHLE INT GMBH, 2023
Three-stage filter system for cleaning air in vehicle air conditioning systems. The system has a particle filter, a photocatalytic filter device, and an activated carbon filter in sequence. This allows progressively finer filtration of particles, odors, and gases. The photocatalytic filter device contains catalyst material that breaks down odor-causing substances. The system can also have a recirculating air path that bypasses the particle filter and feeds back cleaned air for further filtration by the photocatalytic and carbon filters.
10. Integrated Air Purifier Filter Module with Photocatalytic and Titanium Oxide Layers
LEE JEOUNGMIN, 2023
A filter module for air purifiers that combines multiple air purification functions in a single housing. The module comprises a hollow tubular filter, a photocatalytic filter, and a titanium oxide layer, all integrated into a single unit. The photocatalytic filter uses ultraviolet light to break down pollutants, while the titanium oxide layer acts as a natural photocatalyst. The module features a detachable upper filter holder and a permanent magnet attachment point, allowing the filter to be easily installed and removed. The design enables efficient air purification through multiple stages of filtration, with the photocatalytic filter providing additional antimicrobial properties.
11. Air Purifying Filter with Bent Multi-Dimensional Structure and Integrated Photocatalytic, Adsorptive, and Sterilizing Layers
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD, 2023
Multifunctional air purifying filter with enhanced performance through integrated photocatalytic, adsorptive, and sterilizing capabilities. The filter incorporates a breathable support layer, mesh layer, and filter layer featuring a bent multiple-dimension design, which enables optimal airflow management while maintaining pressure differential. The filter layer incorporates photocatalytic, adsorptive, and sterilizing materials, including titanium dioxide, zeolite, and copper-based compounds, respectively, to achieve comprehensive air purification. The design enables improved performance compared to conventional filter configurations while maintaining compact size.
12. Composite Photocatalyst Structure with Enhanced Surface Area and Structured Secondary Photocatalyst Arrangement
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD, 2022
A composite photocatalyst structure that enables continuous removal of gaseous pollutants from air under ambient temperature and pressure conditions, while maintaining high photocatalytic activity. The structure comprises a primary photocatalyst with enhanced surface area and band gap energy, supported by secondary photocatalyst particles with superior photocatalytic activity. The secondary photocatalyst particles are arranged in a structured arrangement on the primary photocatalyst surface, creating a synergistic photocatalytic environment. This composite photocatalyst structure enables efficient decomposition of pollutants at room temperature, while maintaining the photocatalytic activity of the primary photocatalyst.
13. Photocatalyst Comprising Metal Oxide on Metal Oxide Particle with Glucose and Sodium Hydroxide Impregnation and Surface Fluorination
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD, 2022
A photocatalyst for air purification that enables continuous, efficient removal of pollutants without secondary regeneration steps. The photocatalyst comprises a metal oxide supported on a surface of a metal oxide particle, where the metal oxide particle is prepared through a process that includes impregnation with glucose and sodium hydroxide followed by surface fluorination. This photocatalyst achieves enhanced decomposition efficiency of gaseous pollutants through its unique surface chemistry, which enables selective oxidation/reduction reactions while minimizing secondary pollution. The photocatalyst can be used in ceramic filters and air purification devices, offering a continuous and reliable solution for air purification applications.
14. Air Filtration Device with UV-Activated Photocatalytic Nanoparticle Filter System
OKYAY ALI KEMAL, 2022
Air filtration device with antimicrobial properties using photocatalytic nanoparticles. The device incorporates a closed chamber housing with an inlet and outlet, a fan for air exchange, and a radiation source positioned to deliver UV light through a filter containing photocatalytic nanoparticles. The filter's photocatalytic surface converts UV radiation into reactive radicals that degrade airborne microorganisms, while the fan provides controlled airflow. The device features filter slots for frequent filter replacement, enabling continuous antimicrobial protection.
15. Air Conditioning System with Integrated Photocatalytic Air Purification Module and Sequential Air Filtration
SOLYTECH ENTERPRISE COROPRATION, 2022
Air conditioner with integrated air purification that simultaneously regulates indoor temperature and humidity. The system comprises an air conditioner unit with an air inlet and air outlet, an air purification module positioned adjacent to the inlet, and an air filter located on the side of the purification module. The purification module contains a photocatalyst carrier and UV light source, while the air filter is positioned on the other side. When the air conditioner operates, the purification module processes the air through both purification and heating/cooling functions, while the air filter captures pollutants from the purified air before it enters the unit. This integrated approach enables both temperature control and air purification capabilities.
16. Photocatalytic Filter System with Light-Activated Mesh Substrate for Air Purification
DENSO CORP, 2022
Air purifier with a unique photocatalytic filter system that utilizes a light-emitting unit to activate the photocatalytic material. The filter comprises a mesh-shaped substrate that contains the photocatalyst, which is activated by light emitted from the light-emitting unit. This activated photocatalyst converts pollutants into harmless gases, while the mesh structure allows air to pass through while maintaining the photocatalyst's position.
17. Compact Air Filter Device with Photocatalytic Coated Transparent Carrier Plate for Motor Vehicles
MAHLE INTERNATIONAL GMBH, 2022
Air filter device for motor vehicles that achieves high air filtration performance with minimal space requirements. The device comprises a transparent carrier plate with a photocatalytic coating on its upper surface, which interacts with air flowing through the carrier. The photocatalytic material, activated by light, decomposes pollutants and harmful gases while also cleaning the air. The carrier plate is designed to guide air through multiple paths while maintaining structural integrity, with the photocatalytic coating strategically positioned to maximize air flow efficiency. This innovative design enables effective air filtration in compact motor vehicle air conditioning systems.
18. Vehicle Air Conditioning System with Integrated Photocatalytic Reactor for Impurity Neutralization
MAHLE INTERNATIONAL GMBH, 2022
Vehicle air conditioner system that utilizes a photocatalytic reactor to neutralize odor-causing impurities in the air flow. The system incorporates a photocatalytic reactor along the air path, where the impurities are converted into harmless compounds through photocatalytic oxidation. This eliminates odors while maintaining airflow quality. The system is particularly effective for passenger compartment air conditioning, where odor-causing contaminants are a significant concern.
19. Matrix-Arranged Photocatalytic Air Filter with Integrated Flow Channels and Sensor-Activated Chambers
ZHIWEI ZHAO, Zhao Zhiwei, 2022
A photocatalytic air purification filter element that combines air filtration with photocatalytic degradation of harmful gases. The element comprises multiple filter units arranged in a matrix, with each unit featuring a retention chamber that houses a photocatalytic material. The retention chambers are connected through a network of air flow channels that create a unique flow pattern. The element's air inlet is connected to a gas flow sensor, while the outlet is connected to a quality sensor. The photocatalytic material in each retention chamber is activated by UV light, where it undergoes photocatalytic degradation of pollutants. The element's air flow channels create a dynamic flow pattern that enhances the photocatalytic process, while maintaining air circulation.
20. Concentric Cylindrical Filter Assembly with Spring-Loaded Base for Modular Media Replacement
FIELD CONTROLS LLC, 2022
Concentric filter arrangement for air treatment systems that enables easy replacement of filter media while maintaining system performance. The arrangement comprises a pre-filter layer, a smaller particle filtration layer, a carbon layer, and a photocatalytic layer, arranged in a continuous cylindrical configuration. The filter arrangement is secured to a frame with a spring-loaded base that allows the lower segment to be raised, creating a compact, cylindrical housing. This design enables seamless replacement of filter components while maintaining airflow through the system.
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