A team of engineers has created an eco-friendly air purification system inspired by how the human body breathes and circulates blood.
Unlike traditional air filters that can clog with dust and create waste, this new system uses microbubbles to clean the air without relying on solid filters.
The technology, developed by researchers led by Professor Seung Hwan Ko from Seoul National University, is designed to improve air quality in enclosed indoor spaces.
Their findings were published in the journal Advanced Materials.
Indoor air pollution is a growing concern.
Poor ventilation can lead to the buildup of fine dust, carbon dioxide, and harmful chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs). While traditional air purifiers can remove particles from the air, their solid filters have several downsides.
Over time, filters can become clogged with dust, reducing their efficiency and requiring frequent cleaning or replacement.
Disposing of these filters also adds to environmental pollution. Moreover, conventional systems struggle to remove gas-based pollutants like carbon dioxide and VOCs effectively.
To tackle these challenges, the research team turned to the human body for inspiration. Just as the lungs and circulatory system exchange gases efficiently while blocking harmful substances, this new air purification system mimics those processes.
The system uses water and microbubbles to clean the air. Water acts as the medium for purification, while the microbubbles trap dust and other particles. The system also expels carbon dioxide and VOCs while adding fresh oxygen to the air, creating a healthier indoor environment.
The system has three main components: a water reservoir, a gas exchange unit, and a circulation pump. The gas exchange unit contains an elastic filter with tiny pores, designed using advanced laser technology.
When air passes through the system, microbubbles are generated. These bubbles attract and trap fine dust particles, while the gas exchange process removes carbon dioxide and adds oxygen.
This setup is simple yet highly effective. It can be scaled up or down, making it suitable for a variety of applications. The team tested the system in different settings, from small devices for homes and cars to larger units for offices and meeting rooms.
Unlike traditional filters, this system doesn’t produce waste because it relies on water rather than disposable materials. It’s also more sustainable and cost-effective over time.
“This environmentally friendly technology purifies both particulate and molecular pollutants without generating filter waste, providing a sustainable alternative to existing filtration systems,” explained Professor Ko.
The researchers demonstrated that the system can efficiently remove fine particles and maintain healthy carbon dioxide levels in indoor spaces. It even works for various sizes of particulate matter and can adapt to different air purification needs by adjusting the water circulation rate.
This innovative air purification system offers a promising alternative to traditional methods. By eliminating the need for disposable filters and using a simple water-based mechanism, it could help reduce waste and improve indoor air quality in an eco-friendly way.
With its flexibility and scalability, this technology could soon find applications in homes, offices, vehicles, and beyond, paving the way for cleaner and more sustainable indoor environments.
