Background
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), volatile organic compounds (VOC) are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. These VOCs break down and harm the atmosphere, decreasing the cleanliness of the air and water.
Unfortunately, VOCs have significant negative human health outcomes. It has been reported that airborne manganese exposure can lead to neurotoxic consequences. In children, elevated manganese has been implicated in deficits in certain neuropsychological domains including cognition. Moreover, exposure to copper fume and zinc oxide can cause upper respiratory tract irritation, metallic taste, nausea, and metal fume fever. Biogenic carbons are currently used for coating plastic fibers, which are made from waste biomass and have low to negative carbon. It is imperative to maintain clean air and water by removing VOC and metal contaminants while maintaining effectiveness and low-cost.
Invention Description
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed WooplyMatt, an air filter that uses reusable materials (waste plastics, wood fibers, and biochar) to collect not only particulate matters but also, VOC’s and metals through physisorption and chemisorption mechanisms. This technology uses low-carbon, low-cost filters from waste plastics and biogenic carbon, which provides an enhanced capacity to remove VOCs and metal contaminates while preserving sustainability.
Potential Applications:
- Ventilation- buildings, automotive, construction (air flow)
- Restaurants- food and beverage safety
- Healthcare- maintaining sterile environments for patient safety
- Semiconductors- Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining
Benefits and Advantages:
- Lower cost design
- Environmentally friendly by using waste plastics
- Durable and regenerable
- Improves capacity to remove VOCs and metal contaminants