Abstract

The air purifier uses familiar principles but in an unconventional original way. The basic internal structure is the Archimedean screw (helix), which does not pump water. Its other feature is that Archimedes’ screw has a large surface area and little resistance to flowing air. Furthermore, the surface of the double helix has a TiO2 nanomaterial [1-5] on the surface, which is activated by UV light (with a wavelength of 365nm), on which the TiO2 nanomaterial has the maximum photocatalysis efficiency. The air flow is done by a fan that has an adjustable speed. The entire electronics can be controlled either manually using the buttons on the air purifier or remotely via a mobile phone. Photocatalysis breaks down viruses (including coronavirus and all its current and future mutations) into harmless atoms and molecules. The activated surface of titanium dioxide (TiO2) removes binding electrons from the structures using UV light, which breaks down the structure of the virus into harmless molecules and atoms. UV light with a wavelength of about 365nm (band A) is used to activate the photocatalytic surface, in contrast to hard radiation with a wavelength of about 200nm (band C). Hard radiation kills living structures but does not break down into simpler structures. The easiest way is to use UV sunlight and paint a photocatalytic substance, for example, on the walls of houses. We use UV light generated by UV LEDs or UV lamps. The advantage of UV LEDs is that a low and safe DC supply voltage of 12 or 24V can be used. UV lamps for higher outputs use an AC supply with a voltage of 230V. Fans are used to flow air around the photocatalytic layer. The best activated surface is a helix that has a large surface and low air resistance. I have filed a patent registration for the construction of air purifiers, which work on the principle described above. Testing of prototypes of various constructions has already been performed with very good results. We can only hope that this principle will help slow down or stop the spread of viral disease. Photocatalysis also decomposes harmful bacteria, fungi, unpleasant odors, cigarette smoke and chimney smoke, and harmful gases from cars and motorcycles..

Keywords: Air purifier; Photocatalysis; Double helix; Titanium dioxide; UV light