Air purification using antimicrobial and photocatalytic filters
Surface-functionalized HEPA filters that inactivate airborne pathogens and degrade volatile organic compounds. Combines alkyl ammonium/phosphonium antimicrobial coatings with titania-based photocatalytic filters to prevent biofilm formation and oxidize VOCs under UV or visible light, offering an integrated air purification solution.
Overview
This solution addresses two major challenges in air purification: microbial contamination and volatile organic compound (VOC) pollution. By surface-functionalizing filter fibers with antimicrobial alkyl ammonium or phosphonium groups and combining them with titania-based photocatalytic filters, the technology can inactivate airborne pathogens, prevent biofilm formation, and chemically degrade VOCs and odorous compounds upon exposure to UV or visible light. The integrated approach offers a more complete air purification capability than conventional HEPA filtration alone.
Technical specifications
Antimicrobial filter component:
- Polymer or glass fibers functionalized with alkyl ammonium or phosphonium groups
- Coatings based on alkyl pyridinium polymers proven to inactivate S. aureus within minutes of contact
- Antimicrobial activity correlated with surface charge density and alkyl group structure
- Latex-based binding of antimicrobial polymer to synthetic or natural fibers for HEPA-compatible construction
Photocatalytic filter component:
- Titania-functionalized fibers on carbon, glass fiber, or wire mesh substrates
- Organic or inorganic sensitization of titania enables absorption at higher wavelengths, including visible light
- Photoelectron generation drives oxidation of VOCs and odorous compounds
- Catalyst composition optimized for near-UV or visible light activation
Integrated system:
- Combined antimicrobial and photocatalytic filters assembled with a light source and fan
- Designed for regeneration and reuse over multiple cycles
Technology readiness level
The antimicrobial polymer coatings have been synthesized and validated against airborne S. aureus and marine algal spores, with chemical structure-activity relationships characterized through NEXAFS spectroscopy. Photocatalytic titania systems have been demonstrated in related electrochemical water purification research, where dye-sensitized titania nanoparticles generated electrons under visible light. Remaining development tasks include attaching antimicrobial molecules to fiber surfaces, optimizing photocatalyst composition for near-UV or visible light absorption, quantifying VOC degradation kinetics and microbial inhibition, studying filter regeneration, and assembling and testing a complete device with an industry sponsor. These validation activities are estimated to take approximately six months.
About Clarkson University
Clarkson University is a private, national research university with a STEM-oriented character and a multi-campus footprint anchored in Potsdam, New York. Companies engage through a state-designated Center for Advanced Technology in advanced materials that supports industry collaboration and access to applied expertise. A Capital Region campus and a Hudson Valley research site extend reach into New York’s technology and manufacturing corridors, while co-op and internship pathways align talent with corporate R&D needs. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from major U.S. agencies such as the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health. A dedicated technology transfer office and the Shipley Center for Innovation provide IP support, incubation, and startup acceleration.
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