Coupled UVC and catalysis module for air purification and pathogen inactivation
A tandem air purification module combining UVC irradiation with room-temperature catalysis to simultaneously inactivate pathogens and remove VOCs, odors, and excess ozone. Designed for integration with HEPA filters in indoor air quality applications.
Overview
This solution addresses indoor air quality challenges by combining high-efficiency UVC irradiation with room-temperature catalysis in a single tandem module. The pre-positioned UVC unit inactivates airborne pathogens, while the post-positioned catalytic unit removes volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and the excess ozone generated during UV operation. By converting residual ozone into oxygen and water, the system safely achieves both pathogen inactivation and chemical pollutant decomposition without emitting harmful byproducts.
The technology is particularly suited for integration with existing HEPA filtration systems, offering a compact and cost-effective approach to comprehensive indoor air purification in commercial, healthcare, and residential environments.
Technical specifications
Core design:
- Tandem configuration with UVC unit positioned before the catalytic unit to sequentially treat incoming air
- Room-temperature catalysts developed for ozone decomposition and formaldehyde removal, eliminating the need for heating elements
- Ozone utilization strategy that leverages ozone's strong oxidation capacity at the catalyst stage to decompose VOCs while preventing excess ozone emission
Key performance data:
- Formaldehyde decomposition ratio of 80% at a concentration of 15 ppm under 50% relative humidity
- Catalyst loading optimized for enhanced decomposition efficiency and long-term stability
- Compatibility designed for standard HEPA filter components and inlet gas flow rates
Development focus areas:
- Catalyst optimization for improved efficiency and durability
- Systematic matching of catalysis and UVC units into a unified module
- Integration with HEPA filter systems, adapting component design and flow characteristics
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development. Preliminary experiments have validated formaldehyde decomposition performance under room-temperature conditions, and the underlying catalyst materials have demonstrated superior capability and low cost for indoor air quality improvement.
Future validation will proceed in two phases over an estimated 10-12 months: module design completion within the first six months, followed by four to six months of system-level integration and matching with HEPA filtration. The research team is positioned to advance the technology toward a deployable module suitable for pilot testing and commercial evaluation.
About University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
UESTC is a large public research university in Chengdu, China, with an engineering-oriented character and a core identity in electronic information technology. More than 44,000 students, over 3,800 staff, three campuses, and 32 national- and provincial-level innovation platforms provide corporate partners with substantial talent and research infrastructure. Industry engagement is organized through a national university science park, regional research institutes, joint laboratories, and partnerships with leading technology companies, with Chengdu adding proximity to a significant electronics ecosystem. Research is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, national key R&D programs, and other competitive national funding. The university’s science park and research institutes support incubation, technology transfer, and commercialization.
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