A Filter to Remove Pollutants (new invention from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University 01/04/2022)

Sep 6, 2022 · 3 min read · polyacrylonitrile particulate matter vehicle traffic ·

Overview

What is this invention?

Titanium oxide-comprising fibrous filter material

Invented by Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, a new filter removes pollutants such as PM2.5 and other airborne particles in an efficient manner.

The fibers of the filter are made up of an average diameter of no more than 500 nm, with at least 90% polyacrylonitrile. The catalyst is dispersed onto the fibers and activated by UV irradiation to decompose particulate matter (PM2.5 or smaller) - this means that the filtered air will be much cleaner. Such filters can be used around areas of vehicle traffic which helps to clean up polluted air quickly and efficiently.

What are some key features of the invention?

A filter removes pollutants such as PM2.5 and other airborne particles
The fibers of the filter are made up of an average diameter of no more than 500 nm, with at least 90% polyacrylonitrile
The catalyst is dispersed onto the fibers and activated by UV irradiation to decompose particulate matter (PM2.5 or smaller)
Such filters can be used around areas of vehicle traffic

What are some similar inventions on the market?

There are a few similar products on the market that may be able to remove pollutants from the air. Some of these include activated carbon filters, ozone generators, and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation units.

How could this be used?

A filter that removes pollutants such as PM2.5 and other airborne particles with a diameter of no more than 500 nm, has fibers composed of at least 90% polyacrylonitrile, and is dispersed with titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the surface of the fibers can be used to clean polluted air around areas where vehicles are present. The TiO2 may be condensed or precipitated onto the fiber from a liquid containing both TiO2 and the fiber, by simple methods. This type of filter could be installed in traffic lights to help control air pollution levels.

What are some things to look out for with this?

There are a few risks associated with using such filters. The most significant is that if the filter becomes blocked, it may not be able to effectively remove pollutants from the air. In addition, some materials used in manufacturing these filters - such as polyacrylonitrile - can be harmful if inhaled over a long period of time.

What are the overall impressions of this invention?

Overall, I am impressed with the product. It is easy to use and seems to be effective at removing pollutants from the air.

Here is a poem describing the invention

There once was a filter so fine
Its fibers were smaller than mine
With TiO2 dispersed
PM2.5 it would burst
Activated by UV, all pollutants decline

Who owns this patent?

Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University

Document Number: 11213777

USPTO Abstract

> A filter may remove PM2.5 and/or other airborne pollutants, which filter has fibers of an average diameter of no more than 500 nm, the fibers of at least 90 wt. % polyacrylonitrile, relative to all fibers in the filter; and a catalyst of at least 90 wt. % TiO2, relative to all catalytic metals in the filter, dispersed onto the fibers. The fibers need not be charged. The TiO2 may be condensed or precipitated onto the fibers out of a liquid containing the TiO2 and the fibers by simple methods. The catalyst may be activated by UV irradiation to decompose particulate matter having an average particle size of 2.5 μm or less, i.e., PM2.5, and/or other airborne pollutants from air. Such filters may be implemented around areas of vehicle traffic, e.g., as elements of traffic lights, and may be used to controllably purify polluted air.A filter may remove PM2.5 and/or other airborne pollutants, which filter has fibers of an average diameter of no more than 500 nm, the fibers of at least 90 wt. %...