VOC removal using catalyst-activated carbon fiber cloth and plasma regeneration
An advanced air purification technology combining catalyst-loaded activated carbon fiber cloth with non-thermal microplasma regeneration to extend filter media lifetime, enhance VOC removal, and provide microbial disinfection for industrial and commercial air treatment applications.
Overview
This research proposes a novel volatile organic compound (VOC) purification system that integrates catalyst-loaded activated carbon fiber cloth adsorbers with non-thermal microplasma surface regeneration. The combination aims to deliver longer filtration media lifetimes and superior removal efficacy compared to conventional activated carbon filter modules. Beyond VOC capture, the dual-treatment approach is designed to achieve 3-log removal of common bacteria and viruses, offering a comprehensive air purification solution. This technology addresses critical needs in industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and specialized environments where air quality and contaminant control are essential.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Catalyst-loaded activated carbon fiber cloth serves as the primary adsorption medium for VOC capture
- Non-thermal microplasma regeneration restores adsorptive capacity in situ, extending media lifetime
- Hydroxyl radical production under microplasma illumination correlates with antimicrobial efficacy and VOC decomposition
- Synergistic treatment combines adsorption, plasma-driven oxidation, and disinfection in a single system
- Cyclic adsorption-regeneration operation demonstrated to fully restore filtration media performance using dye compound testing
- Plasma catalytic processes for VOC abatement through storage-discharge cycling
Process parameters under investigation:
- Flow rate optimization
- Temperature effects on regeneration
- Discharge power requirements
- Relative humidity influence on performance
- Desorption and regeneration efficiencies over repetitive cycles
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development. Prior work has validated hydroxyl radical production under microplasma illumination as a measure of antibacterial efficacy, and demonstrated complete restoration of activated carbon filtration media after repetitive adsorption and plasma regeneration cycles. The next phase involves a six-month feasibility study assessing silver-activated carbon filtration media combined with microplasma regeneration, including cyclic VOC abatement testing, critical parameter measurement, long-term regeneration efficiency evaluation, and microbial removal validation. The research team is seeking R&D expertise and funding for testing, materials, and key personnel to advance toward commercialization.
About WaterPuris
WaterPuris Inc. is a Canadian company that develops water treatment solutions centered on Exobubble, a nanobubble process intensification technology. This system utilizes the properties of nanobubbles, such as neutral buoyancy and a small negative charge, to perform tasks including particle separation, advanced oxidation, and in-situ cleaning. The technology is designed to be compact and adaptable to existing infrastructure, aiming to enhance productivity by reducing chemical and energy costs. The company provides R&D services to tailor these nanobubble solutions for various industrial applications, including agriculture, aquaculture, food and beverage processing, mining, and oil and gas operations.
The company serves industrial and specialized clients looking to meet sustainability and ESG targets by enabling effective water reuse and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. WaterPuris has engaged with various innovation ecosystems, including the Velocity incubator, and has been recognized in competitions like the AquaHacking Finals and the FAMAE Water Challenge. Furthermore, the company continues to explore advanced applications for its technology, including a research project supported by the Canadian Space Agency focused on extracting and purifying water from lunar regolith using multi-stage distillation systems.
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